Boyfriend's lawyer says investigation into Hayden Panettiere's death will continue
Attorney for Brian Hickerson said authorities have found no signs of foul play in the actress's death and asked for privacy while the investigation proceeds.
Hayden Panettiere was found unresponsive at a Greenville, South Carolina residence on August 16 and was pronounced dead at the scene, according to local police. The Greenville County Coroner's Office later reported that she was in cardiac arrest when responders arrived and that an autopsy showed no signs of trauma that could have contributed to her death.
Attorney Sloan Ellis, representing Panettiere's on-and-off boyfriend Brian Hickerson, told media outlets on August 20 that the case remains under investigation and that police have confirmed there were no indications of foul play. He added that, out of respect for the family and the ongoing inquiry, no further comment would be provided.
The coroner's office confirmed the investigation is still active and that Panettiere's remains were released to her family on August 18. A statement issued on her behalf by a family representative expressed sorrow over her passing.
Panettiere, 36, was mother to an 11-year-old daughter, Kaya, with former fiancé Wladimir Klitschko, who posted a brief tribute on social media. Police reports indicated that Hickerson and his brother were present when officers arrived; Hickerson showed officers a bag of medication the actress was taking. The responding officer noted that Hickerson appeared unemotional until she was declared dead.
Hickerson has a criminal history that includes domestic-violence charges in 2019 and 2020, for which he later pleaded no contest to two felony counts and received a short jail term, probation and related conditions.