Crime Stories with Nancy Grace Crime Stories with Nancy Grace

TV Star Hayden Panettiere: Death Not An Accident?

Sep 25, 2026 · 38m

Summary

The official cause of death for Hayden Panettiere has been ruled an accident involving fentanyl, Xanax, and other drugs, yet investigators are pursuing a non-accidental theory. Experts discuss the potential presence of cyclorine, a potent designer opioid that evades standard toxicology tests, requiring federal DEA involvement. The episode examines the suspicious behavior of her boyfriend, Brian Hickerson, including a recent motorcycle crash and bar brawl, while witnesses report drug deliveries labeled with his name. Legal analysts debate the chain of liability for supplying laced pills, not…

Listen ad-free on Castria