Hayden Panettiere’s boyfriend Brian Hickerson and his brother Zach Hickerson were present at the South Carolina apartment where the actress passed away, as revealed in a police report released on Tuesday. A police officer who arrived at the scene witnessed paramedics trying to revive an unresponsive woman, without any apparent physical cause for her condition. Despite efforts to save her, Panettiere was pronounced dead at 2:31 p.m. The exact cause of death is still unknown, and investigations are ongoing, with initial findings showing no signs of foul play or trauma. Panettiere, aged 36, had a turbulent relationship with Brian Hickerson, who faced accusations of physical abuse towards her.
Hickerson faced legal charges in 2020 related to domestic abuse, to which he pleaded no contest. Following a brief jail term, he received probation, anger management, and Alcoholics Anonymous sessions. Recently, he sought to reduce his conviction to misdemeanors, but this request was denied by a Los Angeles judge. The police report, though heavily redacted, indicated that Zach Hickerson identified the woman as his brother’s girlfriend and displayed strong emotions during the medical intervention. The report also redacted details of Panettiere’s medications.
Former fiancé Wladimir Klitschko expressed sorrow over Panettiere’s sudden demise, highlighting her significance in his life and as a mother to their daughter. The ex-couple welcomed their daughter in 2014, and after their separation in 2018, Klitschko attained full custody due to Panettiere’s personal struggles. Klitschko emphasized Panettiere’s achievements and challenges in the entertainment industry, urging respect for their privacy during this challenging period. Panettiere’s memoir, “This Is Me: A Reckoning,” released in May, delved into her battles with early fame, addiction, and postpartum depression.
Tributes continue to flood in for Panettiere, with co-stars like Connie Britton and Masi Oka expressing deep sorrow over her passing. Industry figures, including “Heroes” creator Tim Kring, lauded Panettiere’s talent and spirit. Before gaining fame in “Heroes” and “Nashville,” Panettiere began her acting career as a child star, featuring in films such as “Remember the Titans” in 2000.