Hayden Panettiere's Death: Estranged Mother, Boyfriend Hand Over Medications, Police Invol
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According to a report from NBC News, Panettiere’s on-again boyfriend Brian Hickerson handed over a bag containing the medications she’d been taking in the days leading up to her death — and although the names of the medications were redacted, The New York Post reported that there were nine drugs listed in the Greenville City Police Department report.
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ABC NewsHayden Panettiere's ex-boyfriend, Brian Hickerson, was present at the scene when she died, according to a police report obtained by ABC News.
The Guardian USHayden Panettiere’s on-and-off boyfriend Brian Hickerson and his brother, Zach Hickerson, were at the South Carolina apartment where the actor died over the weekend, according to a police report released on Tuesday.
USA TodayUSA TODAY has reached out to Panettiere's rep for comment. The redacted police report further revealed Brian Hickerson and brother Zach Hickerson were with Panettiere when she died and were the people who made the 911 call. Zach Hickerson was "very emotional" as emergency personnel performed life-saving efforts on Panettiere, while Brian "did not become emotional until EMS declared her deceased," per the report.
BreitbartGREENVILLE, S.C. (AP) — Hayden Panettiere’s on-and-off boyfriend Brian Hickerson and his brother Zach Hickerson were at the South Carolina apartment where the actor died over the weekend, according to a police report released Tuesday.
NBC NewsHayden Panettiere’s onetime boyfriend and his brother were at the South Carolina apartment complex where the “Heroes” actor went into cardiac arrest and died Sunday, according to a police incident report obtained by NBC News.
PBS NewsHourRemembering the life and career of Hayden Panettiere Hayden Panettiere has died at the age of 36. No official cause of death was given for the versatile actress and Golden Globe nominee. Emergency responders found her in cardiac arrest before she was pronounced dead at a home in South Carolina. Police say there was no evidence of foul play. Senior arts correspondent Jeffrey Brown remembers Panettiere's life and career.
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Connie Britton, who starred opposite Panettiere on the country music drama "Nashville," remembered her late costar in an emotional Instagram tribute.
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BreitbartPanettiere later played a brash country upstart opposite Connie Britton on “Nashville,” which aired on ABC for four seasons before being canceled and revived on CMT. She did her own singing in the show, which scored some hits on country charts, spawned U.S. tours and earned Panettiere two supporting actress Golden Globe nominations.
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Hayden Panettiere, mom were estranged months before her death Panettiere revealed she and her mother were estranged during a May appearance on the Jay Shetty podcast to promote her book. She said she felt like "everything but her child" and noted the relationship heavily revolved around Panettiere's career and Vogel, 70, being her "boss" since she was a baby.
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The Daily WireHickerson and Panettiere had both expressed anger toward Vogel in the past. “Hayden’s mother is by far one of the worst people I’ve ever met in my life,” Hickerson told TMZ in May — and Panettiere said on a recent podcast that she’d been broken by her mother’s response when she asked if they could just be mother and daughter instead of manager and actress.
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“I extend my deepest condolences to Hayden’s parents, her friends, and her fans, who are also grieving today,” he continued. “Young and talented people like Hayden should not leave this world so soon. I ask everyone to please respect our family’s feelings and privacy during this incredibly difficult time. For now, this is all I wish to say.”
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USA Today"It is with profound sadness that we share the tragic passing of our beloved Hayden. She was an incredible light and a force of nature who brought immeasurable love and joy to all who knew her – and to the millions who watched her onscreen," her father, Skip Panettiere, said in a statement.
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Panettiere wrote of Hickerson’s time behind bars, and how she hoped it would change him, in her memoir This Is Me, which came out in May.
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BreitbartPanettiere wrote of Hickerson’s time behind bars, and how she hoped it would change him, in her memoir, “This Is Me,” which came out in May.
USA TodayPanettiere detailed the alleged abuse in her 2026 memoir, "This Is Me: A Reckoning," which also told the story of her struggles with alcohol and drug addiction and the effects of childhood fame. In a May interview with TMZ, Hickerson acknowledged he "got arrested for abusing her and I wouldn't blame her friend for being pissed off."
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“I observed Zach to be very emotional while EMS were working on Hayden. Brian did not become emotional until EMS declared her officially deceased,” the officer said.
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The Guardian US“I observed Zach to be very emotional while EMS were working on Hayden. Brian did not become emotional until EMS declared her officially deceased,” the officer said.
The Daily WireResponding officer Matthew Bryan said in his report that he first spoke with Zach — who was clearly distraught while first responders worked on Panettiere — but that Brian did not appear to be visibly upset until the actress was officially declared dead.
NBC NewsThe report goes on to say that Brian Hickerson did not become visibly emotional until EMS declared the 36-year-old actor dead.
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First responders were dispatched to the apartment where Panettiere had been staying with Hickerson on Sunday afternoon. A 911 call indicated that there was an unresponsive woman who may have suffered cardiac arrest. Hickerson was reportedly at the apartment at the time.
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NBC NewsAuthorities received a 911 call around 1:50 p.m. Sunday about a “reported cardiac arrest” at the apartment complex, according to the coroner’s office. Police said an acquaintance of Panettiere’s made the 911 call.
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Independent claims that didn't surface elsewhere in our corpus. Treat as supplementary — not corroborated across outlets.
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01 USA Today Childhood friend and fellow child star Heather Matarazzo shared a touching Instagram post in Panettiere's memory, writing, "Devastated…… We first met on the LIRR traveling to NYC for auditions when we were both kids. Every time our paths crossed, my heart always filled up."
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02 NBC News Brian and Zach Hickerson did not immediately respond to NBC News’ requests for comment on Monday and Tuesday.
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03 The Guardian US No cause has been determined, and her death remains under investigation. An autopsy found no signs of trauma, and police said officers saw no signs of foul play.
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04 Breitbart No cause has been determined, and her death remains under investigation. An autopsy found no signs of trauma, and police said officers saw no signs of foul play.
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05 The Daily Wire Hickerson has not been accused by authorities of involvement in Panettiere’s death.
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