As questions continue to swirl around the death of Hayden Panettiere, federal authorities are now stepping in.
The U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration is reportedly joining the high-profile investigation after Panettiere, 36, was found unresponsive at Judson Mill Lofts, an apartment complex in Greenville, South Carolina, on Aug. 16, local police previously confirmed to USA TODAY.
The actress and former child star, best known for roles in "Nashville," "Heroes," "Ice Princess" and "Bring It On," allegedly went into cardiac arrest after a possible overdose, according to a 911 call obtained by Reuters, TMZ and other outlets.
Here's what we know as the investigation moves forward.
DEA inquiry begins in Hayden Panettiere death investigation
As first reported by TMZ on Aug. 19, the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration
is joining the multi-agency investigation into the circumstances of the "Heroes" star's death. ABC News also reported the development, citing "sources familiar with the matter."
The DEA declined to comment on the matter when reached by USA TODAY.
The agency, which operates under the U.S. Department of Justice, enforces the country's controlled substance laws and regulations. The other investigating agencies are the Greenville Police Department and the Greenville County Coroner's Office.
Hayden Panettiere 'intervention': Former director says he was asked to help
Director Griff Furst, who collaborated with Panettiere on the 2025 action horror "A Breed Apart," reflected on his time working with the actress in an Aug. 19 Instagram video.
Furst said after the film wrapped, he stayed in contact with Panettiere's team and was later asked to participate in a possible intervention for the actress. However, the director said the meeting did not end up happening, adding, "I wasn't leading the charge on that, and it wouldn't have been appropriate for me."
"A producer or director, no matter how certain you are that an actor or crew member is in a bad situation, you don't have the proof or the benefit of the time to verify it," Furst said. "You can adjust the schedule, you can collect internal reporting and you can assign a handler to make sure that that individual is being taken care of as best as they can."
Hayden Panettiere Neutrogena comments spark backlash, boycott talk
In her recent memoir, "This Is Me: A Reckoning," and interviews promoting the book in May, Panettiere said cosmetics brand Neutrogena, owned by Kenvue, wanted to "fire" her after she shed light on her battle with postpartum depression on "Live with Kelly and Michael" in 2015, less than a year after she gave birth to her daughter, Kaya.
While speaking to hosts Kelly Ripa and Michael Strahan, Panettiere said she "can very much relate to" her "Nashville" character Juliette Barnes' depression. She added, "There's a lot of misunderstanding, and I feel like there's a lot of people out there who think that it's not real."
Panettiere's comments immediately drew backlash on social media, and criticism of the brand saw renewed fervor after the actress's death. One Reddit post, which has earned more than 7,200 upvotes, proposed a boycott against Neutrogena.
USA TODAY reached out to Neutrogena for comment.
Hayden Panettiere cause of death
A cause of death for Panettiere has not yet been confirmed.
Medical assistance was administered to Panettiere upon authorities' arrival, but the actress was later pronounced dead, according to police, who added that no foul play is suspected.
If you or someone you know is struggling or in crisis, you can call the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration Helpline at 1-800-662-HELP (4357).
Contributing: Taijuan Moorman and KiMi Robinson, USA TODAY
This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: DEA joins Hayden Panettiere death investigation – Updates
