LA Times: Probe into Hayden Panettiere’s death focuses on whether she got drugs from a Southern California dealer

(CNN) — The investigation into Hayden Panettiere’s death has stretched from coast to coast, with federal authorities now looking into whether the actress obtained illicit drugs from a dealer in Southern California, the Los Angeles Times reported.

Medics responding to a 911 call on August 16 found Panettiere in cardiac arrest at an apartment in Greenville, South Carolina, and were unable to resuscitate her. The Greenville County coroner has not released an autopsy report or the 36-year-old’s cause or manner of death, citing pending toxicology tests.

Drug Enforcement Administration agents and Los Angeles-area authorities have questioned several people about the circumstances surrounding the California resident’s death, “focusing on her taking what was described as counterfeit oxycodone,” the Times reported, citing sources familiar with the investigation.

CNN has sought comment from the DEA, the FBI and authorities in Los Angeles and Greenville.

The actress, whose career started before she was 1 year old, has spoken publicly about her battles with depression and substance abuse.

Panettiere’s boyfriend, Brian Hickerson, and his brother Zach called 911 to report Panettiere was unresponsive the afternoon of August 16, a Greenville police incident report said.

Brian Hickerson showed an officer a bag of Panettiere’s medications, the report said. Many details in the police report are redacted; no list of medication appeared in the unredacted portion.

Panettiere “had been temporarily staying” at the apartment, the coroner’s office said. Authorities did not say whose apartment it was.

According to the police report, Brian Hickerson lives in California, and Zach Hickerson lives in Georgia. The Hickersons have roots in Greenville, where some family members live.

Investigators found “no signs of foul play during the initial response and investigation,” Greenville police said on August 20. An autopsy performed August 17 revealed no signs of trauma that would have contributed to Panettiere’s death, the coroner’s office said.

CNN has sought comment from Brian and Zach Hickerson.

“Hayden’s death remains under investigation and it is important to allow that investigation to proceed,” Ellis Hinton, the law firm representing Brian Hickerson, said in an August statement to CNN.

“As has been publicly reported, police confirmed there were no signs of foul play. Out of respect for Hayden’s loved ones and the ongoing investigation, there will be no further comment at this time.”

This story has been updated with additional information.

CNN’s Jason Morris and Dianne Gallagher contributed to this report.

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