Hayden Panettiere’s shocking text trail with a DEA‑targeted drug dealer revealed

**Hayden Panettiere Died After Ingesting Oxycodone Laced With Fentanyl, DEA Investigation Reveals**

Actress Hayden Panettiere was found unresponsive on Aug. 16 in a Greenville, South Carolina Airbnb and later died at age 36. The death occurred after she was discovered by Zach Hickerson, brother of boyfriend Brian Hickerson. Police say the star was taking a “bag of medication” when she collapsed.

The Drug Enforcement Administration is investigating Panettiere’s death and has turned its attention to a series of text messages exchanged over several years with an alleged drug dealer.

A source involved in the probe told reporters that the actress and her dealer “were very specific about purchasing black market pills.” The texts reportedly include a “slew of messages about drugs.”

, Panettiere died on Aug. 16 after consuming an oxycodone pill that was laced with fentanyl. It has been reported that she allegedly took several drugs she had bought from the dealer on a flight from Los Angeles to South Carolina the day before she died. The agency is awaiting toxicology results to determine further steps.

## Background & Context

Zach Hickerson, who found Panettiere, says he gave her CPR and administered Narcan as she was discovered unresponsive. The incident took place in an Airbnb in Greenville, where the actress was staying with boyfriend Brian Hickerson’s family.

Police released Hickerson from the scene after a brief altercation at a local bar; no charges were filed.

Police reports confirm that Panettiere was taking a “bag of medication” at the time of her death. She had been traveling from Los Angeles to South Carolina, and reports say she consumed several drugs purchased from the dealer during that flight. Toxicology findings are still pending, with the DEA awaiting results before moving forward.

Medical examiners determined the cause of death was an overdose, but the precise combination of substances remains unclear until lab results are finalized. The Airbnb was searched by law enforcement, and investigators are reviewing any evidence that might clarify the circumstances surrounding her final hours.

Surveillance footage from the Airbnb is being reviewed by investigators to identify any additional individuals present during Panettiere’s final moments. The footage may help establish whether anyone else was involved in the circumstances leading up to her death.

## Investigation Details

The DEA source emphasized that the messages were detailed about drug purchases. “There are a slew of messages about drugs,” the source said. The texts indicate that both parties were intentional about buying black market pills, a claim supported by the content of the exchanges.

, the actress died after ingesting an oxycodone pill laced with fentanyl. The agency is still waiting for toxicology results and plans to decide on further action once those findings are available.

Law enforcement is also interviewing witnesses who might have seen Panettiere during the flight or in the days leading up to her death. These interviews could shed light on her drug use patterns and any potential motives for the dealer’s involvement.

The DEA has not released the names of those involved, . Officials say they are examining all communications between Panettiere and the dealer to understand the scope of drug procurement and distribution.

## Current Status and Next Steps

Panettiere’s representative said the investigation remains ongoing. “The investigation is still ongoing. Law enforcement has not disclosed who they are targeting, but I am told the case is complex.

We hope to have more answers soon,” the spokesperson added.

Police released Brian Hickerson after a brief confrontation and did not charge him. Zach Hickerson reported administering CPR and Narcan in the critical moments. The DEA is waiting for toxicology results, which will determine whether additional legal steps are taken.

Investigators are also looking at Panettiere’s medical records to determine if she had a history of substance abuse. Understanding her medical background may provide context for how the overdose occurred.

Families and friends have urged authorities to keep the public informed about new findings. Meanwhile, Panettiere’s agency is working with law enforcement to ensure her legacy is handled with dignity.

With toxicology reports still pending, the case remains in limbo as investigators weigh next steps and the family waits for definitive answers.