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It’s been five days since the tragic death of Hayden Panettiere.
And as new details of her final hours continue to surface, the situation is drawing new attention to an alarming problem in the South Carolina community where the actress spent her final days.
As we previously reported, Panettiere was found unresponsive at a residence in Greenville on Sunday, August 16.
She was pronounced dead after first responders attempted life-saving measures.
While officials have not determined her cause of death, the circumstances surrounding the tragedy have renewed concerns about the area’s ongoing struggle with drug overdoses.
An addict-turned-advocate who lives in Greenville tells TMZ that laced drugs and fatal overdoses have been serious problems in the city for years, particularly in the neighborhood where Panettiere died.
The local resident claims the area has developed a reputation as a place where drugs are readily available, alleging that some people can even have them delivered directly to their homes.
There is currently no evidence that drugs played a role in Panettiere’s death.
However, 911 dispatch audio reportedly referenced a possible overdose when emergency crews responded, and the Drug Enforcement Administration has since joined the investigation into the circumstances surrounding her death.
Panettiere was found in cardiac arrest, and an autopsy revealed no signs of trauma that would have contributed to her death. The Greenville County Coroner’s Office has said her official cause and manner of death remain pending toxicology and other additional studies.
Narcan, a medication used to reverse potentially fatal opioid overdoses, was also reportedly found at the residence.
The Greenville resident says the community has been working to make Narcan more readily available while educating residents about how to administer it.
Those efforts may already be having an impact, as fatal overdoses in Greenville reportedly declined last year, with the local coroner crediting Narcan as one factor.
Panettiere’s death comes during August’s observance of Overdose Awareness Month, adding another painful layer to an already heartbreaking story.
Residents reportedly plan to honor the actress on August 28 during Jessica’s Walk, an annual event focused on raising awareness about the devastating consequences of addiction.
Panettiere had been candid throughout her life about her struggles with addiction and recovery.
Her death has now placed renewed attention on those struggles, as well as the broader crisis affecting the community where she died.
For now, however, authorities have not determined exactly what caused the actress’s death. The investigation remains ongoing, with toxicology results expected to provide additional answers.
We will have further updates on this developing story as new information becomes available.
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