Hayden Panettiere was struggling with her health in the months before her death, at least so says a close friend of hers.
As we previously reported, the actress passed away on Sunday at 36. The official cause of death has not been determined, but law enforcement said there were no signs of foul play during the preliminary investigation. There was also “no signs of trauma,” per the coroner. According to several outlets, dispatch audio revealed that authorities referenced a possible overdose and cardiac arrest, and medics attempted to resuscitate Hayden with advanced cardiac life support and chest compressions. However, she sadly did not make it.
Related: Hayden Shared What She Hoped Her Legacy Would Be Before Death
The news of her death has been breaking the hearts of family, fans, and celebrities. And it gets even more heartbreaking the more we learn about her final moments. The latest is coming from her hairdresser and good friend, Erick Orellana, who told Page Six on Monday that Hayden had been battling health issues this year. The pal explained:
“I know she suffered earlier this year with her back.”
This is not the first time we have heard this. Following the news of her passing, a source also claimed to TMZ that the Nashville alum had been dealing with back pain. But according to Orellana, Hayden’s pain had been “really severe” to the point where she experienced from mobility issues! Oh no! The hairdresser continued:
“At one point, it was even hard for her to move her legs.”
Hayden was photographed with her on-and-off-again boyfriend, Brian Hickerson, at LAX using crutches to get around. No one knew why then, but now we do, and it is so devastating… And we now have to wonder, is this what Gayle King meant when she sensed Hayden was “clearly still struggling” during the CBS Mornings host’s interview with her back in May?
Orellana shared, however, that the Ice Princess star was seemingly “starting to be on the mend.” Another source told Page Six Hayden wasn’t only battling back pain, saying:
“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 insider alleged Hayden “suffered from anxiety at times” and would “occasionally take medication for that,” adding:
“And every so often that could impact her speech.”
It’s so, so sad that Hayden had been going through so much during her last months on this earth. Our hearts continue to go out to her loved ones as they mourn her loss.
[Image via MEGA/WENN]