The death of Hayden Panettiere has sparked concern among residents of Greenville, South Carolina, who see it as a potential symptom of the city's ongoing opioid crisis.
A local advocate who is a former addict told TMZ that laced drugs and fatal overdoses have been a serious issue in Greenville for years, especially in the neighborhood where Panettiere died.
The area has reportedly gained a reputation as a place where drugs are easy to obtain, with some residents even having them delivered to their doorsteps.
Possible Overdose and DEA Involvement
While there is no hard evidence yet linking Panettiere's death to drugs, a first responder suggested a possible overdose.
The Drug Enforcement Administration is now investigating the case, as TMZ first reported.
In response to the crisis, the city has been working to make Narcan, a medication that reverses opioid overdoses, more widely available and to train residents on how to use it.
Fatal overdoses actually declined in Greenville last year, a drop that the coroner attributes in part to Narcan distribution.
In a sad coincidence, August is Overdose Awareness Month, and some Greenville residents plan to honor Panettiere on August 28 at an annual event called Jessica's Walk.
Officially, the coroner has stated that Panettiere's cause of death is pending toxicology results.
