LAGOS, Nigeria(VOICE OF NAIJA)- Hollywood actress Hayden Panettiere allegedly took an oxycodone pill contaminated with fentanyl shortly before her death, according to a new report detailing developments in the investigation into her passing.
The 36-year-old actress known for playing Claire Bennet in the hit series Heroes and Juliette Barnes in Nashville, died last month in Greenville, South Carolina.
According to sources cited by TMZ, the actress allegedly obtained several prescription medications from a long-time source in Los Angeles before travelling to South Carolina with her on-and-off boyfriend, Brian Hickerson.
One of the pills was reportedly oxycodone contaminated with fentanyl, a powerful synthetic opioid that has been linked to fatal overdoses.
Fentanyl, is an extremely potent synthetic opioid that can be present in illicit or counterfeit pills without the user knowing.
READ ALSO: Lagos Once Scared Me, Now I Also Look Like Those Scary People — Fireboy DML
Authorities are now investigating where the pill came from and who supplied the medication.
No arrest has been announced in connection with the actress death.
Reports also said Hickerson found Panettiere unresponsive and administered Narcan before emergency responders arrived.
Narcan, also known as naloxone, is used to reverse the effects of an opioid overdose.
Paramedics who responded to the emergency call were said to have suspected an overdose.
READ ALSO: Seun Kuti Explains Why Giving Beggars Money Is Delaying Nigeria’s Revolution
Notably, the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) has reportedly become involved in the investigation.
Authorities had previously confirmed that Panettiere’s autopsy had been completed and reportedly found no signs of trauma on her body.
Panettiere had spoken publicly about her struggles with addiction, including alcohol and opioid dependence. She also discussed the personal difficulties she faced while dealing with fame and life away from the screen.
Months before her death, the actress released her memoir, This Is Me: A Reckoning, a book that gave a personal account of her career, relationships, struggles with addiction and experiences in the public eye.
The investigation into the circumstances surrounding Panettiere’s death remains ongoing, with authorities working to establish how the medication was obtained and whether anyone could face charges.
