Overdose suspected in Hayden Panettiere death as emergency audio emerges

No foul play is suspected in the death of American actor Hayden Panettiere , local police have said, as emergency dispatch audio published by several US outlets revealed the star was in cardiac arrest following a suspected overdose.

Best known for her roles in TV shows Heroes and Nashville, was confirmed by her father Skip Panettiere, in a statement to US media.

“It is with profound sadness that we share the tragic passing of our beloved Hayden,” he said. “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.”

Early Tuesday morning (AEST) Greenville Police said in a statement that emergency services had been called to her home at 1.51pm Sunday (local time) after she was found to be unresponsive by a friend.

Medical assistance was given, however she was pronounced dead at the scene.

“The preliminary investigation has not indicated any signs of foul play or suspicious circumstances,” police said in the statement.

The statement said the case was under investigation by the police department and the Greenville Country Coroner’s Office.

US outlet People reported that emergency workers were heard discussing an “overdose” and “cardiac arrest” in dispatch audio obtained by the publication and other outlets including TMZ .