The actress spoke of leaving “darkness” behind and embracing an exciting new chapter during a candid podcast appearance only three months before her death at 36.
Hayden Panettiere spoke optimistically about having “a lot more life to live” and finally escaping years of “darkness” in an emotional interview recorded just three months before her sudden death at 36.
The Heroes and Nashville star was found unresponsive at Judson Mill Lofts in Greenville, South Carolina, on Sunday, 16 August, after an acquaintance called 911 at 1.51pm.
Emergency crews attempted to resuscitate Hayden before she was pronounced dead at 2.32pm.
An autopsy has since found no trauma that contributed to her death, while authorities say further testing is required to determine the cause and manner of death.
Hayden had discussed her hopes for the future during a May appearance on Jay Shetty’s On Purpose podcast while promoting her memoir, This Is Me: A Reckoning.
Asked by Jay what she would call the latest chapter of her life, Hayden said: “I finally feel like I have shaken off all of this darkness and this negativity.
“That means that I’ve closed one door and another door is opened and I can feel it opened and I can feel all the… possibilities, all the exciting possibilities. I feel like I have a lot more life to live.”
The interview was released as Hayden spoke publicly about her experiences with addiction, postpartum depression, relationships and motherhood following the publication of her memoir in May.
Hayden’s comments have emerged again following her death as investigators continue working to establish what happened inside the Greenville apartment.
TMZ reported on Monday (17.08.26) Narcan – the nasal spray used to reverse the effects of an opioid overdose – was discovered on a mattress inside the residence. It has not been established whether the medication was administered to Hayden, and authorities have not determined that an overdose caused her death.
Dispatch audio from the emergency response included a female dispatcher referring to cardiac arrest before a male dispatcher mentioned a suspected overdose.
Police and paramedics performed chest compressions and advanced cardiac life support.
A Greenville police spokesperson said: “On August 16, 2026, at approximately 1.51pm, officers from the Greenville Police Department, accompanied by EMS personnel, responded to a report of an unresponsive female at Judson Mill Lofts, located at 701 Easley Bridge Road.
“Upon arrival, medical assistance was administered; however, the individual, later identified as Hayden Panettiere, was pronounced deceased at the scene.
“The case is under investigation by the Greenville Police Department in conjunction with the Greenville County Coroner’s Office.
“The preliminary investigation has not indicated any signs of foul play or suspicious circumstances. An acquaintance of Ms Panettiere placed the 911 call. At this time, no further details are available for release.”
The Greenville County Coroner’s Office subsequently completed an autopsy and reported finding no signs of trauma that contributed to Hayden’s death.
Additional studies are being carried out before officials make a final determination.
Hayden’s family confirmed her death in a statement issued through her representative.
The statement said: “It is with profound sadness that we share the tragic passing of our beloved Hayden.
“She was an incredible light and a force of nature who brought immeasurable love and joy to all who knew her – and to the millions who watched her onscreen.”
Her death came three months after the publication of This Is Me: A Reckoning, in which Hayden detailed her life as a child actor, her addiction and recovery, motherhood and the death of her younger brother Jansen Panettiere, who died aged 28 in 2023.
Hayden Panettiere’s haunting final interview declaration revealed
