Hayden Panettiere ‘hired private security team to keep Brian Hickerson away from her’ in months before her tragic death

HAYDEN Panettiere and her inner circle went to great lengths to keep her on-off boyfriend Brian Hickerson away from her in the months before her death. The actress, who died at just 36 on August 16 from a suspected overdose, even reportedly hired private security while on her book tour in the spring of this year. Hayden Panettiere arrived to her book signing on May 19 of this year in New York City. Credit: Getty Brian Hickerson was photographed for his mugshot stemming from his 2020 arrest for assaulting Hayden Credit: Splash According to the New York Times‘ sources, Hayden “was accompanied by private security with clear instructions to keep [Brian] away” during a May tour date at Barnes and Noble in New York City. Bookstore staffers were also given strict instructions: “Do not let in a man named Brian Hickerson,” the outlet reported. Sign up for the Showbiz newsletter Thank you! Hayden said the same month she required “an incredible amount of support and backup in order to make sure that there was no way for [Brian] to find his way back in.” But all the precautions appear to have failed, and Brian, 37, was back with Hayden at the time she died. Read More Hayden Panettiere As The U.S. Sun reported, Brian’s brother Zach discovered Hayden unresponsive in her Greenville, South Carolina Airbnb around 2 pm the afternoon of August 16. Zach called 911 as Brian used Narcan on Hayden, who had been open about her past struggles with opiate and alcohol addiction. First responders desperately attempted to save her life soon after. Tragically, she was declared dead an hour later. Most read in Entertainment Hayden and Brian were seen on January 31, 2019 in Los Angeles Credit: Getty Hayden, here on Today in 2024, was said to be sober before her death Credit: Getty Local cops and the DEA have launched an investigation, as the official cause of death remains unknown pending toxicology testing. Hayden had been on and off with Brian for the last eight years of her life, and he had been arrested multiple times for domestic violence. He even served jail time in one case. In 2020, Hayden slammed Brian and his past abuse against her. “I am coming forward with the truth about what happened to me with the hope that my story will empower others in abusive relationships to get the help they need and deserve,” she said. “I am prepared to do my part to make sure this man never hurts anyone again. I’m grateful for my support system, which helped me find the courage to regain my voice and my life.” “After suffering for years as the victim of psychological, emotional and severe physical abuse, Hayden Panettiere has begun the process of taking back her life,” Hayden’s lawyer said at the time. However, Hayden was seen back with Brian the following year. Brian broke his silence after Hayden’s death four days after her death in a cold, unemotional statement. “Hayden’s death remains under investigation, and it is important to allow that investigation to proceed,” Brian’s attorney told The U.S. Sun on August 20. “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.” Comment now