Federal agents reportedly searched Hayden Panettiere’s West Hollywood home days after her sudden death, adding another layer to an investigation that has already drawn interest from the DEA.
More than six agents entered the late actress’ California residence Tuesday with a warrant, according to a witness cited by Us Weekly. It is unclear which federal agency carried out the search, what investigators were looking for or whether anything was taken.
Panettiere, 36, was found unresponsive on August 16 at an Airbnb in Greenville, South Carolina, where she was staying with on-off boyfriend Brian Hickerson and his brother Zach.
Zach said he returned after church and realized Panettiere was unconscious.
“I immediately called 911 and Brian gave her Narcan,” he said. “We then jointly performed CPR while 911 was on speaker until Fire and EMS arrived.”
Panettiere was later pronounced dead. Authorities said no signs of trauma were found, and her official cause of death has not been released.
The DEA has reportedly joined the investigation, though officials have not said why.
Panettiere’s representative has pushed back on speculation surrounding her death.
“Many people who were not close to Hayden are using her death as an opportunity to fuel gossip and speculation,” the rep said, calling it “deeply disrespectful.”
The representative added that those closest to Panettiere are cooperating with investigators and want “the truth” to come to light.
