Boyfriend Brian Hickerson Comments on Hayden Panettiere's Death Amid Ongoing Investigation
Brian Hickerson, who was with actress Hayden Panettiere at the time of her death, spoke through his attorney as authorities continue to investigate the cause of her passing.
Emergency responders arrived at a Greenville residence on Aug. 16 after a 911 call and found Hayden Panettiere in cardiac arrest. Despite advanced cardiac life support measures, resuscitation attempts failed and she was pronounced dead shortly after 2:30 p.m.
Police reports indicate that an acquaintance placed the 911 call, and a redacted report lists Brian Hickerson and his brother Zach Hickerson as the callers. Zach Hickerson told investigators that the couple found Panettiere unconscious, that Brian administered Narcan, and that both brothers performed CPR until EMS arrived.
The Greenville City Police Department said the preliminary investigation has not found any signs of foul play. An officer noted Zach was emotional during the emergency response, while Brian became emotional after EMS declared Panettiere deceased.
Brian Hickerson’s attorney, Sloan Ellis, said the death remains under investigation and declined further comment, emphasizing the need to allow the inquiry to proceed.
Family members have issued statements: Panettiere’s father described her as a bright and influential presence, while her mother, Lesley Vogel, reiterated a longstanding estrangement with Hickerson and expressed sorrow over his presence at the time of death. Former husband Wladimir Klitschko also expressed shock and grief, pledging to honor Panettiere’s memory for their daughter Kaya.