Hayden Panettiere’s death investigation is now focused on a pill authorities suspect was sold as oxycodone but contained fentanyl, according to law enforcement sources.
Sources with direct knowledge of the investigation told TMZ that Panettiere allegedly had a “long time drug dealer” in Los Angeles who supplied her with black-market prescription drugs, including oxycodone.
Investigators believe Panettiere took several drugs while traveling from Los Angeles to South Carolina the day before her death. Their current theory is that she took an oxycodone pill the following morning and that the pill may have contained fentanyl.
That conclusion is not final. Toxicology testing is still pending, and authorities are waiting for those results before determining whether fentanyl was responsible for her death.
Hayden Panetierre is all smiles after revealing her friend's name involved in the yacht incident. https://t.co/hibxbKvBoz
— TMZ (@TMZ) May 20, 2026
Credit: Backgrid pic.twitter.com/D692furKhZ
The DEA in Los Angeles is reportedly working to trace the suspected pill and examining Panettiere’s connection to the alleged dealer. DEA officials in South Carolina are also involved.
Panettiere was staying at a condo with her boyfriend, Brian Hickerson, when she became unresponsive. Hickerson’s brother was also present.
Hickerson reportedly gave first responders a bag containing Panettiere’s prescription medications when they arrived. He had also administered Narcan, a medication used to reverse opioid overdoses, before paramedics reached the residence.
Sadly, Panettiere could not be revived.
Investigators are now trying to determine exactly what she took, where it came from, and whether the suspected fentanyl-laced pill can be linked to a supplier.