What's next in the Hayden Panettiere investigation after cause of death revealed
Actress Hayden Panettiere's cause and manner of death have been determined, but the investigation into the circumstances surrounding her death may not yet be over.
Panettiere's death has been ruled an accidental overdose of drugs, including fentanyl, 4-ANPP, alprazolam, methocarbamol and quetiapine, according to a statement released Tuesday by the Greenville County Coroner's Office in Greenville, South Carolina.
Panettiere, known for her roles in "Nashville," "Heroes," "Ice Princess" and more, died on Aug. 16 after she was found unresponsive at an apartment in Greenville. She was 36.
Now that it’s been determined that Panettiere died due to a combination of drugs including fentanyl, it’s likely the investigation to pinpoint the source of the fentanyl will move forward.
Of the combination of medications found in Panettiere's system, fentanyl -- a synthetic opioid drug -- is the most likely to result in an overdose death. Fentanyl can be prescribed as a pain medication, but is often made illegally and can be found in counterfeit pills made to look like prescription medications, according to the National Institute on Drug Abuse.
Sources previously told ABC News the investigation into Panettiere's death could be looking into street-level drug dealers who may have provided drugs to the late actress.
The investigation into Panettiere’s death so far has been based not just on South Carolina but also in California, as the actress flew from Los Angeles to South Carolina the day before her death, sources say.
The Greenville City Police Department is leading the investigation into Hayden Panettiere's death, with the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration assisting, having joined the investigation in late August.
It is not clear yet whether people could face charges connected to Panettiere's death. Authorities have not announced any arrests or charges.
Panettiere's mom, Lesley Vogel, told ABC News in a statement Tuesday that she would like to see "justice for Hayden" after her death was ruled an accidental overdose.
"This journey is far from over. The coroner's report states 'accidental cause of death from fentanyl,' but in no way does this exonerate the supplier of this lethal dose," Vogel said, in part, in the statement, adding, "Everything moving forward will be healing, but the mission is and will always be justice for Hayden."
