A newly released emergency call captures the moments when the actress was found unresponsive in South Carolina, as a dispatcher guided a caller through CPR in a desperate attempt to save her life.
Newly released 911 audio is shedding light on the emergency response that followed the discovery of actress Hayden Panettiere unconscious at a residence in Greenville, South Carolina.
The recording, released publicly on October 14, 2026, captures the distress of those who found the actress and the efforts made to obtain emergency medical assistance. It also provides new insight into the final emergency response following the death of the star known for her roles in Heroes and Nashville.
Panettiere was 36 years old when she died on August 16. Her death was subsequently ruled an accidental overdose by the Greenville County Coroner's Office.
The newly released recording has renewed public attention on the actress's final hours and the people who tried to help her.
What Does the Newly Released 911 Call Reveal?
According to reports from CBS News and other outlets, Zach Hickerson, the brother of Panettiere's on-again, off-again partner Brian Hickerson, called emergency services after discovering the actress unresponsive.
The recording begins with Zach explaining that he had returned from church and entered the residence where his brother and Panettiere were staying.
He told the dispatcher that the actress was unconscious and asked whether they should perform CPR.
The emergency dispatcher then began asking questions about Panettiere's condition and provided instructions intended to help the caller respond while emergency assistance was on its way.
The audio captures the urgency of the situation as those present attempted to follow the instructions.
Despite the efforts to revive her, Panettiere could not be saved. She was pronounced dead at the scene.
The recording provides a clearer account of the emergency call, but it does not answer every question about the circumstances that led to the actress's death.
What Happened on August 16?
Panettiere was found unresponsive at a residence in Greenville, South Carolina, on the afternoon of August 16, 2026.
Emergency responders arrived after a call reporting a medical emergency. Medical personnel attempted to revive her, but she died at the scene.
Initial reports prompted questions about what had happened. Authorities subsequently conducted an investigation and examined the medical evidence.
On September 22, the Greenville County Coroner's Office confirmed that Panettiere's death was accidental and resulted from the toxic effects of multiple substances.
The findings included fentanyl, 4-ANPP, alprazolam, methocarbamol and quetiapine.
Officials reported no evidence of trauma that contributed to her death.
These findings establish the official cause and manner of death. The newly released 911 recording adds context about the emergency response rather than changing that conclusion.
Hayden Panettiere's Career and the Legacy She Leaves Behind
Panettiere became a familiar face to American television audiences through her performances in several popular productions.
She gained widespread recognition for playing Claire Bennet in the NBC science-fiction series Heroes. Her character, a high-school cheerleader with extraordinary regenerative abilities, became one of the show's most recognizable figures.
She later earned further recognition for her role as Juliette Barnes in the country-music drama Nashville, where she portrayed a talented singer navigating fame, relationships and personal struggles.
Her film credits also included Remember the Titans and appearances in the Scream franchise.
Beyond her acting career, Panettiere spoke publicly about difficult experiences in her personal life, including addiction and postpartum depression. In interviews and her memoir, This Is Me: A Reckoning, she discussed her struggles and the importance of seeking help.
Her willingness to talk about those experiences became an important part of the public conversation surrounding her life.
Why the New Recording Has Drawn Attention
The release of emergency audio often brings a new perspective to a story that has already received extensive media coverage.
In Panettiere's case, the recording documents the immediate response to a medical emergency and the attempt to obtain help before paramedics arrived.
For fans, it provides a difficult reminder that the actress's death followed an urgent effort to save her.
However, the recording should be considered in context. An emergency call captures only a limited period, and it cannot provide a complete account of everything that happened before or after the call.
The most important confirmed information remains the official finding that Panettiere died from an accidental overdose.
A Reminder About Addiction and Seeking Help
Panettiere's death has also renewed discussion about substance use disorders and the challenges people can face while seeking recovery.
Addiction is a complex health condition, and recovery can involve setbacks as well as periods of progress. A person's public profile does not make those challenges any less real.
If you or someone you know is struggling with opioid use or another substance-related problem in the United States, confidential support is available through the SAMHSA National Helpline at 1-800-662-HELP (4357). In a suspected overdose emergency, call 911 immediately.
Panettiere's story has prompted many people to reflect on the importance of compassion, access to treatment and taking substance-related emergencies seriously.
What We Know So Far
The newly released 911 audio offers additional context about the emergency response on August 16. It captures the moment the actress was found unresponsive and the dispatcher's instructions to the caller.
The coroner later ruled her death an accidental overdose, and the recording does not alter that official finding.
For those who remember Panettiere from Heroes, Nashville and her other performances, the news is a painful reminder of a career that ended far too soon.
As further reporting continues, the focus remains on the verified circumstances of her death and the legacy she leaves behind.
What do you remember most about Hayden Panettiere's career? Share your thoughts and favorite performances in the comments.
Sources: CBS News, USA TODAY, the Greenville County Coroner's Office. This article reflects publicly reported information available on October 14, 2026.