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Hayden Panettiere had reportedly been suffering from “really severe” health problems in the months before her sudden death, with a close friend claiming her condition became so serious that she struggled to walk.
Erick Orellana, the Nashville star’s hairdresser and close friend, told Page Six that Panettiere had experienced significant problems with her back earlier this year.
“I know she suffered earlier this year with her back,” he said.
Orellana described the actress’ pain as “really severe”, claiming it had affected her ability to move normally.
“At one point, it was even hard for her to move her legs,” he said.
Panettiere was photographed at Los Angeles International Airport in March alongside her boyfriend, Brian Hickerson, using crutches to get around.
Despite the severity of her condition, Orellana said it appeared the Heroes actress was beginning to recover, saying she was “starting to be on the mend”.
A second source told Page Six that Panettiere had also appeared tired at times and had struggled with anxiety.
“Earlier this year, she did seem a little tired at times. But she was a night owl, and… she has a lot on her plate,” the source said.
The insider claimed Panettiere “suffered from anxiety at times” and would “occasionally take medication for that”.
“And every so often that could impact her speech,” they added.
Panettiere’s father, Skip, announced her death in a statement on Sunday, describing his daughter as a remarkable presence who had brought happiness to millions.
“It is with profound sadness that we share the tragic passing of our beloved Hayden,” he said.
“She was an incredible light and a force of nature who brought immeasurable love and joy to all who knew her — and to the millions who watched her onscreen.”
He also asked for privacy while the family deals with the devastating loss.
Emergency services were reportedly called to an Airbnb at the Judson Mill Lofts apartment complex in Greenville, South Carolina, on Sunday afternoon after receiving reports of an “unidentified female” suffering cardiac arrest.
A 911 dispatch recording obtained by Page Six reportedly described an “overdose” and said “CPR [was] in progress.”
Paramedics attempted to revive Panettiere using advanced cardiac life support and chest compressions, but she was pronounced dead at 2:32PM. She was 36.
Following her death, another source told TMZ that Panettiere had recently been experiencing back pain.
Law enforcement sources also reportedly found Narcan at the property. The medication is commonly used to rapidly reverse an opioid overdose.
However, police said there were no apparent signs of foul play, while the Greenville County Coroner’s Office reported that there was no evidence of trauma.
“An autopsy was completed today. At autopsy, no signs of trauma were discovered that would have contributed to the death,” the Coroner’s Office told Page Six.
The cause of death has not yet been established.
“This investigation remains active and ongoing. No further details are available for release at this time,” officials added.
