Troubling Details Emerge About Hayden Panettiere’s Life Before Her Death

People close to Hayden Panettiere told Page Six that the actress was suffering with severe back problems and anxiety in the months leading up to her untimely death at age 36.

Panettiere, known best for her roles in “Nashville,” “Heroes,” and “Remember the Titans,” was found unresponsive Sunday afternoon at a residence in Greenville, South Carolina, where she had been temporarily staying. An investigation into the death is ongoing, but authorities say there are currently no signs of trauma.

Erick Orellana, Panettiere’s close friend and hairdresser, told Page Six that the actress was dealing with severe back problems earlier this year, which left her using crutches.

“I know she suffered earlier this year with her back,” Orellana said, describing the pain as “really severe.”

“At one point, it was even hard for her to move her legs,” the hairdresser added.

Back in March, Panettiere was photographed using crutches while traveling through the LAX airport with her boyfriend Brian Hickerson.

Orellana said she thought Panettiere appeared to be “on the mend” from the back issues before she died.

Another source said Panettiere, who was a “night owl,” seemed extremely tired at times and suffered from anxiety. The 36-year-old would take medicine for her anxiety that could “every so often” impact her speech, the source added.

The Greenville County Coroner’s Office said an autopsy was completed and found no signs of trauma that would have contributed to her death.

“The decedent has been identified as Hayden [Lesley] Panettiere, 36, of California. Panettiere was found unresponsive inside the residence, where she had been temporarily staying. An autopsy was completed today,” the office said in a statement. “At autopsy, no signs of trauma were discovered that would have contributed to the death. This investigation remains active and ongoing.”

First responders were dispatched to the apartment where Panettiere had been staying with Hickerson on Sunday afternoon. A 911 call indicated that there was an unresponsive woman who may have suffered cardiac arrest. Hickerson was reportedly at the apartment at the time.

TMZ has reported that Narcan, a medication commonly used to rapidly reverse an opioid overdose, was found at the scene.

On Tuesday, former heavyweight boxing champion Wladimir Klitschko, who was in a relationship with Panettiere for nine years, shared an emotional statement following her death. The former couple have one child together, an 11-year-old daughter named Kaya.

Jemal Countess/Getty Images

“Our family is going through a time of profound shock and grief,” Klitschko posted to social media. “The announcement of Hayden’s tragic death saddens me deeply. She left this world far too soon. Hayden was, although no longer my partner, an important part of my life and the mother of our daughter, Kaya.”

“She built an incredible career through immense talent, while also facing the darker sides of a very demanding industry. Nothing will erase the times we shared or the place she had in our lives,” Klitschko wrote. “To our daughter Kaya, I will always speak of her mother with respect and make sure she remembers the person she was.”

“I extend my deepest condolences to Hayden’s parents, her friends, and her fans, who are also grieving today,” he continued. “Young and talented people like Hayden should not leave this world so soon. I ask everyone to please respect our family’s feelings and privacy during this incredibly difficult time. For now, this is all I wish to say.”

“Thank you to everyone who is supporting my family and expressing their sincere condolences,” Klitschko added. “Rest easy, Hayden. May you find eternal peace.” 

Our family is going through a time of profound shock and grief.

The announcement of Hayden’s tragic death saddens me deeply. She left this world far too soon. Hayden was, although no longer my partner, an important part of my life and the mother of our daughter, Kaya.

She built… pic.twitter.com/etL169NOmB

— Klitschko (@Klitschko) August 18, 2026

Related: Actress Hayden Panettiere Dead At 36