Hayden Panettiere’s boyfriend, Brian Hickerson, and his brother Zach Hickerson were present at the South Carolina apartment where the actress passed away, as per a police report disclosed on Tuesday. A police officer arriving at the scene found the brothers and witnessed emergency responders administering CPR to an unresponsive woman. Despite efforts to revive her, Panettiere was pronounced dead at 2:31 p.m. with no apparent physical cause for her unresponsiveness.
The investigation into Panettiere’s death is ongoing, with authorities yet to determine a cause. Initial findings from an autopsy revealed no signs of trauma, and police mentioned no indication of foul play. Panettiere, aged 36, had a tumultuous relationship with Brian Hickerson, who faced allegations of physically abusing her in the past.
Hickerson faced charges of felony abuse in 2020 and eventually pleaded no contest to two counts of injuring a spouse or partner, resulting in a brief jail term. Following this, he received four years of probation, mandatory anger management, and Alcoholics Anonymous sessions. Despite completing the requirements, his recent plea to reduce the convictions to misdemeanors was denied by a Los Angeles judge.
The official police report, heavily redacted, detailed the emotional responses of the Hickerson brothers during the tragic incident. Zach Hickerson identified the woman as his brother’s girlfriend, while Brian Hickerson showed emotions only after the formal declaration of Panettiere’s death. The report omits specific details of the conversation with Brian Hickerson. Additionally, a list of Panettiere’s medications was redacted from the report.
Panettiere’s ex-fiancé, Wladimir Klitschko, expressed his sorrow over her sudden demise, highlighting their shared history and their daughter, Kaya, aged 11. Klitschko emphasized Panettiere’s importance in his life, acknowledging her struggles with addiction and postpartum depression. Their daughter lives with Klitschko in Ukraine following their split in 2018.
A renowned actor known for her roles in “Heroes” and “Nashville,” Panettiere, who would have turned 37 soon, recently published a memoir, “This Is Me: A Reckoning,” delving into her personal challenges with early fame, addiction, and postpartum depression. Klitschko’s statement urged respect for their family’s privacy during this difficult period.
The entertainment industry continues to mourn the loss of Panettiere, with co-stars and colleagues paying tribute to her legacy. Co-star Connie Britton expressed her profound sadness over the news, while Masi Oka shared heartfelt memories of working with Panettiere. Tributes from industry peers underscored Panettiere’s talent and positive presence on set.
Panettiere’s acting career began in childhood, with notable roles in films like “Remember the Titans” before her acclaimed performances in television series. Her sudden passing has left a void in the entertainment world, with fans and colleagues celebrating her remarkable career and legacy.
