Hayden Panettiere’s boyfriend, Brian Hickerson, and his brother Zach Hickerson were present at the South Carolina apartment where the actress passed away, as per a police report disclosed on Tuesday. A Greenville police officer arrived at the scene on Sunday afternoon and found the brothers there, with paramedics attempting to revive an unresponsive woman. Despite life-saving efforts, Panettiere was pronounced dead at 2:31 p.m., with no apparent cause of death established, leading to an ongoing investigation. The autopsy revealed no signs of physical trauma, and authorities have not found any indications of foul play. Panettiere, aged 36, had a tumultuous relationship with Hickerson, who faced allegations of physical abuse towards her.
Hickerson faced legal charges in 2020 for felony abuse, to which he pleaded no contest, resulting in a brief jail stay. Subsequently, he was placed on probation for four years and mandated to attend anger management and Alcoholics Anonymous sessions. Despite completing the terms, his plea to downgrade the conviction to misdemeanors was denied by a Los Angeles court last Thursday.
The police report, although heavily redacted, mentioned Zach Hickerson identifying the unresponsive woman as his brother’s girlfriend. The officer noted Zach’s emotional state during the emergency response, contrasting Brian’s emotional reaction following Panettiere’s official declaration of death. After the incident, the officer escorted the Hickerson brothers out of the apartment. Further details from the conversation with Brian and the list of Panettiere’s medications were redacted from the report.
Panettiere’s ex-fiancé, Wladimir Klitschko, expressed sorrow over her tragic death, emphasizing her significance in his life and as a mother to their daughter. The couple welcomed their daughter in 2014, and following their separation in 2018, Klitschko gained full custody due to Panettiere’s struggles with addiction and postpartum depression. Klitschko urged for privacy and respect during the family’s grieving period.
Aged 36 and known for her roles in “Heroes” and “Nashville,” Panettiere recently released a memoir, “This Is Me: A Reckoning,” detailing her personal battles with early fame, addiction, and postpartum depression. In an interview earlier this year, she addressed misconceptions surrounding her custody arrangement for her daughter, emphasizing her ongoing connection with her child despite living with Klitschko in Ukraine.
The entertainment industry continues to mourn Panettiere’s passing, with co-stars and colleagues paying tribute to her talent and spirit. Messages of condolences and admiration have poured in, highlighting her impact as an actress and the legacy she leaves behind. Before her prominent roles in “Heroes” and “Nashville,” Panettiere started her career as a child actor, featuring in films like “Remember the Titans” alongside Denzel Washington.