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New details have emerged surrounding the sudden death of actress Hayden Panettiere, with a neighbor revealing what he reportedly heard inside her apartment complex shortly before she died.
Panettiere, 36, best known for her roles as Claire Bennet in Heroes and Juliette Barnes in Nashville, was confirmed dead on Sunday (August 16).
Tributes have since poured in for the actress, who had spoken publicly in recent years about her struggles with postpartum depression and addiction.
The actress had also previously made the difficult decision to give custody of her daughter, Kaya, to her former partner Wladimir Klitschko while she sought treatment.
An official cause of death has yet to be established. Although an autopsy has been completed, authorities said further tests are needed. First responders found Panettiere in cardiac arrest at her home in Greenville, South Carolina.
One neighbor has now described hearing talk of someone collapsing inside the building on the day Panettiere died.
The neighbor in question, Micah Lee, who lives at the Judson Mill Lofts complex, told WYFF: “The halls are pretty hollow, so noise echoes throughout. And I had just heard about someone collapsing.”
He continued: “And then afterwards there was talk about cardiac arrest. I can't confirm any of that. That's just what I've heard.”
Residents reportedly gathered in the corridors after news spread that someone had collapsed, with some later witnessing emergency responders removing a body from the building.
911 audio released following Panettiere's death also indicated that she was suffering a cardiac emergency. A dispatcher initially described the situation as cardiac arrest, while another reportedly suggested an overdose.
Panettiere was pronounced dead at the scene less than an hour after the emergency call was placed.
The Greenville County Coroner's Office has stressed that the circumstances surrounding her death remain under investigation.
In a statement, Coroner Kimberly Ellis said: “At autopsy, no signs of trauma were discovered that would have contributed to the death.”
She added: “The cause and manner of death remain pending further investigation and the completion of additional studies. This investigation remains active and ongoing. No further details are available for release at this time.”
According to the coroner's statement, emergency services were called at around 1:51pm local time on Sunday.
“First responders and Emergency Medical Services arrived on scene and located a female in cardiac arrest,” the statement said.
“EMS personnel initiated advanced cardiac life support measures; however, resuscitation efforts were unsuccessful, and the individual was pronounced deceased at 2:32 PM.”
Panettiere's father, Skip, confirmed her death in a heartbreaking statement, describing his daughter as someone who brought happiness to those around her.
He said: “It is with profound sadness that we share the tragic passing of our beloved Hayden.”
He added: “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.”
