Hayden Panettiere’s Rep Condemns Those Fueling “Gossip and Speculation” Amid Death Investigation

Hayden Panettiere ‘s rep is encouraging anyone with helpful information into the sudden death of her former client, who died on Aug. 16 at age 36 , to reach out to law enforcement instead of speaking out in the media.

“Many people who were not close to Hayden are using her death as an opportunity to fuel gossip and speculation about a situation they knew very little about,” says a statement from her rep to The Hollywood Reporter. “It is deeply disrespectful to her memory and to those who knew and loved her and are actively grieving this tremendous loss.” Related Stories TV Hayden Panettiere's Mom Denies "You Owe Me" Claim, Says She Went "Downhill" After 'Heroes' General News Hayden Panettiere's Mom Blasts Gayle King and Megyn Kelly's Criticisms of Her in Wake of Daughter's Death

Amid an active investigation by both local and federal authorities into the circumstances around Panettiere’s death, her rep says there is “much more to this story” and to let the police do their job.

“If you have legitimate information that could be helpful, please contact law enforcement rather than turning to social media to speculate publicly about something you do not fully understand,” the statement continues. “There is much more to this story than what is currently being discussed publicly, and those closest to Hayden are actively cooperating with the ongoing investigation to help ensure that the truth comes to light and that justice is properly served.”

The statement comes as neighbors at Panettiere’s West Hollywood residence have been speaking out in the media. “Nosey neighbors need to let law enforcement do their job,” a source adds to THR .

Following a 911 call reporting a cardiac arrest on Aug. 16, the beloved Heroes and Nashville star , 36, was found unresponsive in a Greenville, South Carolina, Airbnb where she and her on-off boyfriend, Brian Hickerson, had just arrived, at around 1:50 p.m. local time.

The preliminary results of the autopsy indicated there were no signs of trauma found on Panettiere’s body and that the cause and manner of her death would remain pending further investigation; a representative of the Greenville County Coroner’s office — who is investigating the death along with the Greenville City Police Department and DEA — told THR it would be eight weeks before the full report is released to the public.

After a police report said Hickerson and his brother, Zach, were at the South Carolina townhouse when the actress was pronounced dead by authorities, Brian was visited by police .

Zach Hickerson has since said Brian Hickerson administered Narcan to Panettiere after the brothers found her unconscious. A Narcan bottle was reported to have been at the scene and, according to the audio of the 911 call, first responders were reportedly overheard discussing an “overdose” around the time of Panettiere’s death.

“There are a lot of assumptions, speculations and accusations currently swirling,” said Zach Hickerson in a statement to TMZ on Friday. “The truth will come out as the authorities complete and release additional details from the investigation.