Brian Hickerson Breaks Silence on Hayden Panettiere’s Sudden Death; Family Concerns Mount
GREENVILLE, South Carolina — Brian Hickerson, the long-time on-and-off boyfriend of the late actress Hayden Panettiere, has issued a formal statement through his legal counsel following the 36-year-old star’s sudden passing. The response comes amid rising public scrutiny and vocal concerns from the actress’s mother regarding his presence at the time of the tragedy.
Panettiere, beloved for her iconic roles in Heroes and Nashville, was found unresponsive at an apartment in Greenville, South Carolina, on August 16. Despite emergency responders arriving to find her in cardiac arrest and performing life-saving measures, the actress was pronounced dead at the scene.
Legal Counsel Issues Response
Sloan Ellis of the Ellis Hinton law firm, representing Hickerson, urged the public to exercise patience as authorities continue their investigation.
"Hayden’s death remains under investigation and it is important to allow that investigation to proceed," Ellis stated. "As has been publicly reported, police confirmed there were no signs of foul play. Out of respect for Hayden’s loved ones and the ongoing investigation, there will be no further comment at this time."
According to police reports, Hickerson and his brother, Zach, were present at the apartment when emergency services arrived. Preliminary findings from the Greenville County Coroner’s Office indicate no physical trauma, though an official cause and manner of death remain pending toxicology results. Reports also suggest that the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) has become involved in the ongoing inquiry.
Family Concerns and a Troubled History
The official statement follows public comments from Panettiere’s mother, Lesley Vogel, who expressed deep concern over her daughter’s proximity to Hickerson at the time of her death. Vogel told NBC News that her family had spent years attempting to distance the actress from Hickerson, citing a long-standing history of volatility in their relationship.
The couple’s history was marked by documented strife. In 2019, Hickerson was arrested on domestic violence charges, leading to a no-contest plea and a subsequent sentence involving jail time and probation. In 2020, Panettiere sought and was granted a restraining order against him.
In her memoir, This Is Me: A Reckoning, released earlier this year, Panettiere spoke candidly about the abuse she suffered during their time together, detailing incidents that left her physically and emotionally scarred.
A Legacy of Courage
The death of the talented actress, who was just days away from her 37th birthday, has sent shockwaves through Hollywood. In recent years, Panettiere had been praised for her bravery in discussing her personal battles with addiction and the immense pressures of navigating a career in the public eye from a young age.
As the official investigation continues, the focus remains on uncovering the circumstances surrounding her final days. Panettiere is survived by her daughter, Kaya, whom she shared with former partner Wladimir Klitschko.
