Newly released audio of the Hayden Panettiere 911 call has revealed the urgent efforts to save the actress after she was found unconscious at a residence in Greenville, South Carolina. The recording captures a distressed caller seeking emergency assistance while a dispatcher provides instructions for life-saving measures.
The audio was obtained by ABC News and CBS News through a public records request. It offers further insight into the emergency response on August 16, 2026, when Panettiere died at the age of 36.
According to ABC News, the caller was Zach Hickerson, the brother of Panettiere’s on-and-off partner, Brian Hickerson. The recording documents the caller’s attempt to get help and follow the dispatcher’s instructions before emergency personnel arrived.
What the Hayden Panettiere 911 Call Reveals
The recording begins with Zach Hickerson explaining that he had arrived at his brother’s apartment after attending church. He told the dispatcher that Panettiere was unconscious and needed immediate medical assistance.
During the call, the dispatcher asked questions to assess the situation and determine what help was needed. After learning that Panettiere was not breathing, the operator began guiding Hickerson through emergency procedures.
The dispatcher instructed him to position Panettiere on her back and prepare to provide assistance while waiting for first responders.
As the recording continued, the operator counted aloud to help guide the rescue attempt. The instructions continued as the caller worked to follow the emergency guidance.
The audio provides a distressing account of the moments before medical professionals arrived. However, the recording alone does not establish every detail of what happened before the emergency call.
Emergency Responders Could Not Save the Actress
The emergency call was received at approximately 1:51 p.m. on August 16, according to information released by the Greenville County Coroner’s Office.
First responders arrived at the residence and found Panettiere in cardiac arrest. Emergency medical personnel attempted advanced resuscitation, but their efforts were unsuccessful.
Officials pronounced the actress dead at approximately 2:32 p.m.
The coroner’s office later confirmed that an autopsy had found no signs of trauma that contributed to her death.
The newly released recording adds context to the official timeline, documenting the attempt to provide emergency assistance before medical personnel took over.
What Was Hayden Panettiere’s Cause of Death?
The Greenville County Coroner’s Office announced its findings on September 22, 2026.
According to the official ruling, Panettiere died from the toxic effects of five substances:
- Fentanyl
- 4-ANPP, a chemical associated with fentanyl production
- Alprazolam
- Methocarbamol
- Quetiapine
The coroner classified her death as accidental.
Fentanyl is a powerful synthetic opioid that can cause fatal respiratory depression. The other substances identified in the report have different medical uses and effects. The official ruling attributed Panettiere’s death to the combined toxic effects identified by the coroner.
Although the cause and manner of death have been established, the ruling should be distinguished from the separate investigation into the circumstances surrounding her death.
ABC News reported that authorities were continuing to examine the case following the coroner’s announcement.
Brian Hickerson and Zach Hickerson were at the residence.
According to police reports cited by ABC News and CBS News, Brian Hickerson and his brother, Zach, were present when Panettiere was found unresponsive.
Zach Hickerson contacted emergency services, while information reported by the media indicated that Brian also attempted to help.
In an August statement to TMZ, Zach said that Brian administered Narcan, a medication used to reverse opioid overdoses. He also said that the two brothers performed CPR while communicating with the emergency dispatcher.
These accounts describe the reported rescue efforts, but they should not be treated as a complete account of the events leading up to Panettiere’s death.
Police previously stated that their preliminary investigation had not indicated signs of foul play or suspicious circumstances. However, subsequent reporting from CBS News confirmed that the police investigation remained active after the coroner announced the cause of death.
No conclusion about individual responsibility should be drawn solely from the emergency recording or the presence of people at the scene.
Hayden Panettiere Had Spoken Publicly About Addiction and Recovery
Panettiere was known for her roles in television series such as Heroes and Nashville. Beyond her acting career, she had also discussed her struggles with addiction and mental health.
In her 2026 memoir, This Is Me: A Reckoning, the actress reflected on difficult periods in her life and her efforts to pursue recovery.
She had previously spoken about substance use, postpartum depression, and the challenges of growing up in the entertainment industry.
Her openness about these experiences brought greater attention to the personal difficulties she faced away from the screen. Her death has also renewed public discussion about the dangers of substance misuse and the importance of access to treatment and support.
Addiction is a complex health condition, and recovery can involve setbacks as well as progress. Panettiere’s story highlights the importance of approaching these issues with accurate information and compassion rather than stigma.
A Difficult Loss for Her Family and Fans
Panettiere’s death was a significant loss for her family, colleagues, and viewers who had followed her career.
She was the mother of Kaya, her daughter with former fiancé Wladimir Klitschko. Her father, Skip Panettiere, remembered her as a person who brought love and happiness to those around her, according to a statement reported by ABC News.
Klitschko also expressed grief following her death and spoke about preserving her memory for their daughter.
Panettiere’s career spanned decades, from her early work as a child performer to leading roles in popular television dramas and films. Her performances earned her a lasting place in the entertainment industry.
The release of the 911 recording has brought renewed attention to the circumstances of her death. At the same time, her legacy extends beyond the final hours of her life, including her work as an actress and her willingness to speak publicly about personal struggles.
As authorities continue their investigation, the available evidence and official findings remain the most reliable basis for understanding what happened.