The Drug Enforcement Administration has reportedly joined the widening investigation into the sudden death of actress Hayden Panettiere.
Panettiere, known for her roles in “Heroes,” “Nashville,” “Remember the Titans,” and the “Scream” franchise, died Sunday at a private residence in Greenville, South Carolina. She was only 36 years old.
TMZ reported Wednesday that DEA agents are now assisting with the parallel investigations already being conducted by the Greenville City Police Department and the Greenville County Coroner’s Office.
ABC News separately reported that Greenville police remain the lead investigative agency while the DEA provides assistance.
The precise reason for the federal agency’s involvement has not been disclosed.
When contacted by TMZ, a DEA spokesperson responded, “The DEA does not confirm or comment on active investigations.”
The major development comes after emergency dispatch audio reportedly referenced a possible overdose while paramedics desperately attempted to revive Panettiere.
Narcan, an emergency medication used to reverse suspected opioid overdoses, was also reportedly discovered inside the residence. However, authorities have not established that narcotics caused or contributed to Panettiere’s death.
Toxicology testing remains pending.
According to a Greenville police report, Panettiere was with her on-again, off-again boyfriend, Brian Hickerson, and his brother, Zack Hickerson, when she died.
The report reportedly states that it was unknown whether Panettiere had consumed drugs or alcohol. Hickerson showed responding officers a bag containing medication Panettiere had allegedly been taking.
Panettiere was reportedly found unresponsive and in cardiac arrest. First responders administered advanced life-support measures, but they were unable to revive her. She was pronounced dead shortly after 2:30 p.m.
As The Gateway Pundit previously reported, a preliminary autopsy found no signs of trauma that contributed to the actress’s death.
“The cause and manner of death remain pending further investigation and the completion of additional studies,” the Greenville County Coroner’s Office announced.
Officials have also said the preliminary investigation uncovered no signs of foul play or suspicious circumstances.
The Gateway Pundit first reported Panettiere’s shocking death on Sunday before additional details surrounding the tragedy became public.
The Gateway Pundit later reported on the disturbing emergency-dispatch audio, which documented the frantic response to an “unresponsive female” suffering cardiac arrest.
Jim Hᴏft is the founder and editor of The Gateway Pundit, one of the top conservative news outlets in America. Jim was awarded the Reed Irvine Accuracy in Media Award in 2013 and is the proud recipient of the Breitbart Award for Excellence in Online Journalism from the Americans for Prosperity Foundation in May 2016.
You can email Jim Hᴏft here, and read more of Jim Hᴏft’s articles here.
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