Hayden Panettiere's mother says ultimatum over boyfriend led to estrangement before actress' death

Lesley Vogel, the mother of the late actress Hayden Panettiere, said on "Good Morning America" that she stopped speaking with her daughter after giving her an ultimatum regarding her on-and-off boyfriend, Brian Hickerson. Vogel said she traveled to California about a year ago to stay with Panettiere and help end the relationship, which she described as "toxic." After six weeks she noticed her daughter pulling away and returned to Florida. Vogel recalled receiving a call from Panettiere saying she would be with the person she loved, after which Vogel told her she could not maintain contact while Hickerson remained in her life, a stance advised by her therapist. The mother said she expected the separation to be temporary.

Panettiere was found unresponsive in a Greenville, South Carolina home on Aug. 16. Police reports indicate Hickerson and his brother called 911 and later provided a bag of medication the actress had been taking. The Greenville County Coroner's Office reported no signs of trauma, and the death remains under investigation, with the DEA also assisting.

Vogel also said Panettiere had experienced chronic physical pain and had sought various treatments, including massage and acupuncture, for a "pins and needles" sensation in her lower extremities. She added that Panettiere gave up custody of her daughter, Kaya, to former fiancé Wladimir Klitschko, which she believes contributed to the actress' difficulties. Vogel expressed hope that her daughter would be remembered for her talent and personality.