Hayden Panettiere's Final Drug-Related Messages With Alleged Dealer Become 'Centrepiece' of DEA Probe

Hayden Panettiere's final messages with an alleged drug dealer are now reportedly at the centre of the DEA's investigation into the actress's death, as investigators examine the source of a pill investigators suspect may have contributed to her death.

TMZ reported that Panettiere and the alleged dealer exchanged numerous texts over several years, including messages sent as recently as the week she died. Investigators are reportedly examining the conversations for evidence of black-market drug purchases.

Hayden Panettiere's Drug Texts Become a DEA Investigation Focus

According to sources cited by TMZ, the messages contain detailed discussions about obtaining pills outside the legitimate pharmaceutical system. One source described the volume of drug-related correspondence by saying, 'There are a slew of messages about drugs.'

The texts are reportedly central to efforts to establish where the pill investigators are examining came from. TMZ has reported that Panettiere had a long-term drug dealer in Los Angeles who allegedly supplied her with several black-market prescription drugs, including oxycodone.

Panettiere's West Hollywood neighbours also reportedly told investigators they had seen three people repeatedly visit her home, according to TMZ.

The visitors allegedly arrived separately and carried small bags, although the contents of the bags have not been established, while one of the people was reportedly seen at the property during the week she died; the claims have not been independently verified.

What Happened to Hayden Panettiere Before Her Death?

Panettiere, 36, was found unresponsive at a residence in Greenville, South Carolina, on 16 August.

An autopsy reportedly found no signs of trauma, while toxicology results remain pending.

Law enforcement sources cited by TMZ said investigators are examining whether Panettiere took an oxycodone pill containing fentanyl on the morning of her death.

She had reportedly travelled from Los Angeles to South Carolina the previous day with several drugs that investigators are examining as part of the probe.

Her boyfriend at the time, Brian Hickerson, was present at the residence and gave police a bag containing Panettiere's medications. He also administered Narcan, the brand name for naloxone, while she was unresponsive, and has met with DEA investigators but has not been named as a suspect.

What Is Fentanyl-Laced Oxycodone?

Fentanyl-laced oxycodone generally refers to an illicit or counterfeit pill sold as oxycodone but containing fentanyl, a powerful synthetic opioid. The US Drug Enforcement Administration warns that counterfeit pills can resemble legitimate prescription medication while containing fentanyl without the user knowing.

Fentanyl is substantially more potent than morphine, and an unexpected amount in a counterfeit pill can sharply increase overdose risk. It can suppress breathing, causing unconsciousness, brain damage, coma or death, while naloxone can reverse an opioid overdose when administered in time.

Hayden Panettiere Previously Spoke About Addiction

Panettiere had previously spoken publicly about alcohol and opioid addiction. In a 2022 interview with People, she discussed the treatment she sought during recovery, including an eight-month stint in rehab.

She later chronicled her addiction in her memoir, This Is Me: A Reckoning. Panettiere also spoke about honesty and ongoing work in recovery, and had continued to discuss her sobriety journey publicly.

The suspected fentanyl-laced oxycodone remains a working theory, not an officially established cause of death. Toxicology results are expected to determine what substances were present in Panettiere's system and could help investigators establish the circumstances surrounding her death.