Hayden Panettiere suffered from ‘really severe’ health issues in months leading up to death: ‘Hard for her to move her legs’

Hayden Panettiere suffered from ‘really severe” health issues in the months leading up to her tragic death, according to an insider.

“I know she suffered earlier this year with her back,” the “Nashville” star’s hairdresser and good friend, Erick Orellana, exclusively told Page Six.

Orellana described Panettiere’s pain as “really severe ” — so much so, the actress experienced mobility issues.

“At one point, it was even hard for her to move her legs,” Orellana said.

Hayden Panettiere suffered from severe back pain ahead of her sudden death on Sunday, her good friend and hairdresser tells Page Six. The actress is seen here walking with crutches with her boyfriend, Brian Hickerson, in March. LionsShareNews / BACKGRID
Panettiere’s hairdresser tells us that the “Nashville” alum had mobility issues as a result of her back pain. LionsShareNews / BACKGRID
The hairdresser notes, “at one point, it was even hard for her to move her legs.” LionsShareNews / BACKGRID

Panettiere was photographed in March with her boyfriend, Brian Hickerson, at LAX airport using crutches to get around.

However, Panettiere’s pal did note that it seemed like the “Heroes” alum was “starting to be on the mend.”

A second source told Page Six that Panettiere had other struggles aside from her back pain.

“Earlier this year, she did seem a little tired at times. But she was a night owl, and… she has a lot on her plate,” the source said.

The insider claimed that Panettiere “suffered from anxiety at times” and would “occasionally take medication for that.”

“And every so often that could impact her speech,” the source said.

In her sighting at LAX in March, she was seen being helped by an airport worker. LionsShareNews / BACKGRID
Hickerson walked ahead of her, carrying luggage. LionsShareNews / BACKGRID
Panettiere wore a tie-dye sweatsuit and a white baseball cap. LionsShareNews / BACKGRID

Hayden’s father, Skip Panettiere, confirmed the heartbreaking news of her death in a statement on Sunday.

“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. We ask for privacy as our family takes time to process this unimaginable loss.”

Paramedics responded to a 911 call of an “unidentified female” going into cardiac arrest at an Airbnb rental inside the Judson Mill Lofts apartment complex in Greenville, South Carolina on Sunday afternoon.

The 911 dispatch call exclusively obtained by Page Six revealed that authorities reported an “overdose” and that “CPR [was] in progress.”

Medics attempted to resuscitate Panettiere with advanced cardiac life support and chest compressions, but she was pronounced dead at 2:32 p.m. She was 36.

The actress (pictured here in March 2023) was found dead in an apartment in Greenville, South Carolina, Sunday. GC Images
Panattiere (pictured here in September 2024) died of an apparent “overdose,” according to the 911 dispatch call obtained by Page Six. Nathan Congleton/NBC via Getty Images

Following the news of her tragic passing, another source told TMZ that Panettiere had recently been struggling with back pain.

Law enforcement sources also told the outlet that Narcan — a medicine typically used to quickly reverse an opioid overdose  — was found on the scene.

Cops also said there were no signs of foul play, and there were also no signs of trauma at the time of her death, according to the Greenville County Coroner’s Office.

“An autopsy was completed today. At autopsy, no signs of trauma were discovered that would
have contributed to the death,” the Coroner’s Office told Page Six in a statement, adding that the cause of death has yet to be determined.

“This investigation remains active and ongoing. No further details are available for release at this time.”

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