Hayden Panettiere and Brian Hickerson began dating in 2018.
The relationship became turbulent, with domestic violence allegations directed against Hickerson.
Panettiere was found unresponsive at an apartment in Greenville, South Carolina, on August 16.
Actress Hayden Panettiere died on Sunday (August 16, 2026), in Greenville, South Carolina. She was 36. First responders and emergency medical services responded to a 911 call at her residence and found her "unresponsive" and in cardiac arrest, the coroner's office said, as reported by AP.
What Hayden Panettiere’s boyfriend, Brian Hickerson, said about her death
Panettiere’s boyfriend, Brian Hickerson, has finally broken his silence. Hickerson opened up about his girlfriend's death through his attorney, who urged people to allow authorities to complete their investigation.
In a statement cited by Rolling Stone, Sloan Ellis of the Ellis Hinton law firm, Hickerson’s attorney, also asked people 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.”
“Out of respect for Hayden’s loved ones and the ongoing investigation, there will be no further comment at this time,” the attorney added.
What happened to Hayden Panettiere?
Hickerson was at the scene. He and his brother, Zach Hickerson, were present at the apartment when police arrived, a police report stated.
First responders performed CPR on Panettiere. Police officers noted she had no visible physical injuries upon arrival.
Hickerson gave officers a bag of Panettiere's medicine. Emergency dispatch audio referenced cardiac arrest and a potential drug overdose, but authorities have not established how she died.
Autopsy and ongoing investigation
Toxicology tests are still pending. A post-mortem examination showed no physical injuries linked to her passing, the Greenville County Coroner’s Office stated. Officials have not yet established the exact reason or classification of her death.
Police have stated their preliminary investigation found no indication of foul play. The Drug Enforcement Administration is reportedly involved in the ongoing investigation as authorities examine the case.
Panettiere and Hickerson began dating in 2018 and were in an on-and-off relationship, with domestic violence allegations directed against Hickerson.
