Hayden Panettiere's boyfriend Brian Hickerson breaks silence amid death probe

Actor Hayden Panettiere’s boyfriend, Brian Hickerson, has broken his silence following the actor’s sudden death at 36. Hickerson addressed her death through his attorney, who asked people to allow authorities to complete their investigation.In a statement cited by Rolling Stone, Hickerson’s attorney, Sloan Ellis of the Ellis Hinton law firm, said Panettiere’s death remains under investigation and urged the public to respect the process.“Hayden’s death remains under investigation, and it is important to allow that investigation to proceed,” Ellis said. “As has been publicly reported, police confirmed there were no signs of foul play.”The attorney added, “Out of respect for Hayden’s loved ones and the ongoing investigation, there will be no further comment at this time.” Panettiere was found unresponsive at an apartment in Greenville, South Carolina, on August 16. Emergency responders arrived following a 911 call reporting an unresponsive woman in cardiac arrest. She was pronounced dead at the scene.Hickerson’s statement comes as authorities continue to investigate the circumstances surrounding the actor’s death. According to a police report, Hickerson and his brother, Zach Hickerson, were present at the apartment when officers arrived. First responders were performing CPR on Panettiere, who reportedly had no visible physical injuries.Hickerson also reportedly handed police a bag containing medication that Panettiere had been taking. Dispatch audio mentioned cardiac arrest and a possible overdose, although authorities have not yet determined an official cause of death.The Greenville County Coroner’s Office said an autopsy found no signs of trauma that contributed to Panettiere’s death. However, her official cause and manner of death remain undetermined as authorities await toxicology results.Police have said their preliminary investigation has found no indication of foul play or suspicious circumstances. The investigation remains ongoing, with the Drug Enforcement Administration also reportedly involved as authorities continue to examine the circumstances surrounding her death.Panettiere and Hickerson began dating in 2018, but their relationship later became turbulent, with Hickerson facing allegations of domestic violence.- EndsPublished By: Prachi aryaPublished On: Aug 21, 2026 14:52 IST