Federal authorities are closely examining an extensive series of text messages between actress Hayden Panettiere and an alleged long-time drug dealer as a primary focus of the probe into her death. The exchanges reportedly stretched over several years and continued into the final week of her life, according to sources familiar with the investigation.

Panettiere, best known for roles in Heroes and Nashville, was found unresponsive on August 16, 2026, inside an Airbnb rental in Greenville, South Carolina. She was 36 years old. The Drug Enforcement Administration is operating on the theory that her death resulted from a counterfeit oxycodone tablet that contained fentanyl. Full toxicology results have not yet been released and are expected to take at least several more weeks.

Investigators say the text conversations were highly specific about the acquisition of black-market pills. One source described the messages as containing “a slew of messages about drugs,” elevating the digital thread to a central piece of evidence in the federal inquiry. Authorities have noted that similar text records have previously supported prosecutions of suppliers in other high-profile cases, including the conviction of a dealer connected to the death of rapper Mac Miller.

Reports indicate that Panettiere brought a collection of pills with her on a flight from Los Angeles to South Carolina the day before she died. Her boyfriend, Brian Hickerson, later turned over a bag of her medications to police. Investigators are reviewing the contents of that bag for any additional substances that may have been adulterated.

Neighbors who lived near Panettiere’s West Hollywood residence told authorities they had repeatedly observed three individuals—two women and one man—visiting her unit over a period of years. The visitors often arrived carrying small bags. Panettiere would answer the door, accept the packages, and the visitors would leave shortly afterward. One of the men was seen making a delivery during the week she died.

On or around August 25, nine days after her death, DEA agents executed a search warrant at Panettiere’s Los Angeles home. The search focused on evidence of black-market drugs, related paraphernalia, and any materials that could connect the substances to a specific supplier.

A representative speaking on behalf of Panettiere stated that the investigation remains active and complex. Law enforcement has not publicly named any individuals as targets. The representative added that more information is expected as the probe continues.

The case is being handled as a federal drug-related investigation. No arrests or charges connected to the supply of the alleged substances have been announced. Officials continue to review digital communications, physical evidence, and witness statements while awaiting the completed toxicology analysis.

Sources : TMZ