Hayden Panettiere’s boyfriend, Brian Hickerson, along with 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 Greenville police officer arrived at the residence on Sunday afternoon and found the Hickerson brothers outside, with paramedics administering CPR to an unresponsive woman inside.
The report stated that despite no apparent physical reasons for her unresponsiveness, the woman, identified as Panettiere, could not be revived, and was pronounced dead at 2:31 p.m. No specific cause of death has been established, and investigations are ongoing. An autopsy revealed no signs of trauma, and authorities noted no evidence of foul play. Panettiere, aged 36, had a tumultuous relationship with Brian Hickerson, who faced accusations of domestic abuse towards the actress.
Hickerson faced legal charges in 2020 for multiple counts of felony abuse, ultimately pleading no contest to two counts of injuring a spouse or partner. Following a brief jail term, he received probation, mandatory anger management, and Alcoholics Anonymous sessions. Recently, he unsuccessfully petitioned to have his conviction reduced to misdemeanors, as ruled by a Los Angeles judge.
The police report, although heavily redacted, mentioned Zach Hickerson’s emotional state during the incident, contrasting it with Brian Hickerson’s delayed emotional response upon Panettiere’s official declaration of death. Details of the conversation between the officer and Brian Hickerson were redacted, as was a list of medications the actress was reportedly taking.
Panettiere’s ex-fiancé, Wladimir Klitschko, expressed grief over her sudden demise and emphasized her importance in his life as the mother of their daughter. They had a child together, Kaya, in 2014, but following their separation in 2018 due to Panettiere’s struggles with addiction and postpartum depression, Klitschko obtained full custody of their daughter.
Panettiere, who was set to turn 37 soon, had recently released a memoir titled “This Is Me: A Reckoning,” where she candidly discussed her battles with fame, addiction, and mental health issues. Klitschko’s statement underscored the impact Panettiere had on their lives, urging respect for their family’s privacy during this challenging period.
The entertainment industry mourned Panettiere’s passing, as co-stars and colleagues paid tribute to her remarkable talent and spirit. Messages of condolence poured in from those who had worked closely with her, recalling her infectious energy and dedication to her craft. Panettiere’s career began as a child actor before she gained prominence in roles like “Heroes” and “Nashville,” solidifying her place in the industry.