Narcan, CPR and a Race to Save Hayden Panettiere: New Details Emerge After Actress’ Sudden Death at 36
New details have emerged about the frantic moments leading up to the reported death of actress Hayden Panettiere, with her boyfriend’s brother describing a desperate attempt to revive the Heroes and Nashville star.
According to Zach Hickerson, his brother Brian Hickerson administered Narcan before the two men performed CPR while waiting for emergency responders to arrive.
Panettiere was reportedly found unresponsive at a home in Greenville, South Carolina, on August 16. She was pronounced dead at the scene.
“We Realised She Was Unconscious”
Zach told TMZ that he had planned to meet Brian and Panettiere for lunch and indoor golf on the day of her death.
But after neither responded to his calls or messages, he went to the Airbnb where the couple were reportedly staying.
“When we went in and tried to wake Hayden up for lunch, we realised she was unconscious,” Zach said.
He said he immediately called 911 while Brian administered Narcan, also known as naloxone.
“I immediately called 911, and Brian gave her Narcan. We then jointly performed CPR while 911 was on speaker until firefighters and EMS arrived.”
According to Zach, emergency responders then continued efforts to save the actress.
What Is Narcan?
Narcan, or naloxone, is an emergency medication used to rapidly reverse the effects of an opioid overdose.
Reports say the 911 emergency call indicated that paramedics were dispatched to the South Carolina property following concerns about a possible overdose.
However, authorities have not publicly announced an official cause of death.
Police Launch Death Investigation
The Greenville Police Department previously said that its preliminary investigation had not indicated signs of foul play or suspicious circumstances.
Authorities have since opened a death investigation, with police and the coroner working to determine the cause and manner of Panettiere’s death.
Investigators are also examining whether there is any evidence of criminal conduct.
Zach urged the public to avoid jumping to conclusions as the investigation continues.
“There are a lot of assumptions, speculations and accusations currently swirling,” he told TMZ. “The truth will come out as the authorities complete and release additional details from the investigation.”
He also described Panettiere as one of his “dearest and closest friends” for eight years and said he was devastated by her death.
“Out of respect for her loved ones, the speculation and sensationalism of her death needs to end until the facts can be released from the investigation.”
Hayden Panettiere Had Previously Spoken About Addiction
Panettiere had previously spoken publicly about her struggles with alcohol and opioid addiction.
In a 2022 interview with People, the actress discussed seeking treatment after reaching a particularly difficult period in her life.
As investigators continue their work, many questions surrounding Panettiere’s sudden death remain unanswered.
For now, the circumstances described by Zach Hickerson offer a heartbreaking picture of the emergency response — a race against time involving Narcan, CPR and desperate attempts to save one of Hollywood’s most recognisable television stars.
The investigation remains ongoing, and authorities have yet to release an official cause of death.