Hayden Panettiere's on-off boyfriend Brian Hickerson breaks silence on her death
Brian Hickerson, described as Hayden Panettiere's on-and-off boyfriend, has broken his silence on her death.
The star was pronounced dead at an apartment in Greenville, South Carolina, on Sunday (16 August) following a 911 call.
Initial reports suggest the 36-year-old suffered a cardiac arrest, with it said that Hickerson and his brother, Zach, were both in the property at the time.
An attorney for Hickerson, Sloan Ellis told TMZ: "Hayden's death remains under investigation and it is important to allow that investigation to proceed."
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According to a police report obtained by NBC, states that Zach was 'very emotional' while medics were 'working on Hayden'. It says Hickerson did not become visibly emotional until the emergency medical services professionals declared Panettiere dead. The pair began dating in 2018 and had appeared to end in 2020 amid domestic violence allegations.
Greenville Police have made it clear there are no suspicious circumstances of third-party involvement in Panettiere's death.
The statement from Hickerson's attorney continues: "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."
The cause of Panettiere's death is currently pending further investigation and in a statement on Monday, the coroner confirmed an autopsy had been completed.
It said the Scream actor was identified at the scene and 'found unresponsive inside the residence, where she had been temporarily staying'.
The coroner continued: "At autopsy no signs of trauma were discovered that would have contributed to the death.
“The cause and manner of death remain pending further investigation and the completion of additional studies. This investigation remains active and ongoing. No further details are available for release at this time.”
Shared on behalf of the Bring It On: All or Nothing actor's dad, Alan Panettiere, the statement announcing her death 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.”
A statement from the Greenville Police Department said: "[Officers] accompanied by EMS personnel, responded to a report of an unresponsive female at around 1:50 p.m. Sunday.
"Upon arrival, medical assistance was administered; however, the individual, later identified as Hayden Panettiere, was pronounced deceased at the scene.
"The case is under investigation by the Greenville Police Department in conjunction with the Greenville County Coroner's Office. The preliminary investigation has not indicated any signs of foul play or suspicious circumstances. An acquaintance of Ms. Panettiere placed the 911 call."
In her memoir, This Is Me: A Reckoning, which was published only months ago, Panettiere wrote about some of her experiences with Hickerson, making allegations of violent behaviour.
He was arrested in 2019 based on an allegation of inuring a spouse or girlfriend and pleaded no contest in 2021.
In 2020, Panettiere requested a restraining order against him and the outcome of this is unclear. She said in a statement that she was going public about the alleged abuse to inspire others to seek help, saying: "I am prepared to do my part to make sure this man never hurts anyone again."
Stars share tributes to Hayden Panettiere
Viola Davis
Davis, who starred alongside Panettiere in the likes of The Architect (2006) and Custody (2016), penned: “What an amazing talent you were....so gifted. Julius and I loved working with you....an old, wise soul with such a deep heart. I wish the world had more time with you because I had a burning curiosity about who you were becoming.
“I saw this beautiful Phoenix rising from the ashes. Your tests became your testimony, and your testimony became your legacy. You will be remembered. Rest well, Hayden.
“Sending healing prayers to your family, your daughter, and all who loved you. May they always speak your name....”
Solange Knowles
Panettiere's Bring it On co-star wrote: "Rest in peace hayden. In peace, because you are so deserving of it
"We had so many parallels in our lives, and the world watched us so courageously live in your radical truth telling your story, we watched your endless quest for vulnerability, and healing.
"I salute your journey and i honor the work we created together that became something that really means something to people…reaching people we couldn’t have ever imagined at the time, as two young girls, trying to keep looking to the light.
"The light surrounds you now. Rest easy hayden."
Bethany Joy Lenz
In an emotional tribute, Panettiere’s Guiding Light co-star Joy Lenz wrote: “There is nothing that posting pictures on the internet can do. I avoid it usually in moments like this. But Im here with my head in my hands and I don’t know what else to do in aside from praying for her soul, which I have done and will continue.”
Admitting she's 'crushed', the actress continued: “I knew the wild little blonde. Was she nine? Ten? I was eighteen. She ran through the Screen Gem studio hallways at 222 E44th St. laughing and playing games in between Guiding Light blocking and camera rehearsals. Long, unruly curls trailing behind her. She knew her lines and everyone else’s. Her intelligence was astonishing. She understood scenes and nuance and human struggle like no child I’d ever seen on camera. And she’d sit with you for a great conversation, then giggle and go play.
“We’d connect on and off over the years, like the cousin in the family reunion who got famous and life moved her away—but I always felt such joy seeing her when we were lucky enough to cross paths. We’d make a pact to talk soon. Lunch. Dinner. Somewhere we could curl up into a corner—but we never quite made it happen. I mostly stayed up to date through mutual friends.
“I dont understand how this is real. Everything seemed to be turning around. She was coming BACK to life, wasn’t she? It’s too young and there’s still so much more life. And her daughter…. Hayden, you are surround by love. I’m sorry for every moment I didn’t reach out or check in. This can’t be real.”
Joy Lenz concluded: “These are moments of how I knew you, in glimpses over 26 years. I don’t know how to process this. I am praying for you to know the peace of God now and always.”
Selma Blair
Commenting underneath Panettiere’s final Instagram post, Blair said: “I love you. Don't be gone. Please.”
Emma Roberts
Paying tribute to her Scream 4 (2011) co-star, Roberts penned: “Rest in peace my sweet friend. you are so loved and you will be forever missed.”
Kim Cattrall
“Rest in peace sweet Hayden,” Cattrall, who starred as Panettiere’s onscreen mum in Ice Princess (2005), shared. “Gone far too soon.”
Masi Oka
In a heartfelt message to his Heroes co-star, Oka wrote on X: “Absolutely heartbroken to hear about Hayden. I had the privilege of working closely with her, and I’ll always remember her for her beautiful spirit, immense talent, and the joyful energy she brought to everything she did and the people around her. She was way wiser beyond her years and now gone too soon…
“My heart goes out to her family and everyone who loved her. Rest in peace, Hayden.”
Jenna Ortega
Taking to her Instagram Story, Ortega - who worked with Panettiere on Scream VI (2023) - said: “This is such a devastating loss. Rest well.”
Melissa Barrera
Fellow Scream VI star Barrera also paid tribute, saying: “Rest in peace sweet Hayden,” along with a broken heart emoji.
Jay Shetty
Shetty, who welcomed Panettiere on his On Purpose podcast just months ago, commented: “I can’t believe it. Our friendship had just begun and I was so moved by the conversation we shared earlier this year.
"My love and condolences to her family and fans.”
Topics: Hayden Panettiere, Celebrity News, Entertainment, US News
Jess Battison