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 arrived at the residence on Sunday to find the brothers and witnessed paramedics trying to revive an unresponsive woman. Despite efforts to save her, Panettiere was pronounced dead at 2:31 p.m.
The cause of her death is yet to be determined, and investigations are ongoing. An autopsy revealed no signs of physical trauma, and authorities stated that there were no indications of foul play. Panettiere, aged 36, had a tumultuous relationship with Brian Hickerson, who faced allegations of physical abuse against her.
Hickerson faced charges in 2020 for felony abuse, to which he pleaded no contest and served a brief jail sentence. He was subsequently placed on four years of probation, mandated anger management classes, and Alcoholics Anonymous sessions. Despite his request to reduce his conviction to misdemeanors being denied by a Los Angeles judge last Thursday.
The police report, heavily redacted, mentioned that Zach Hickerson, emotionally distressed, identified the unresponsive woman as his brother’s girlfriend. Brian Hickerson showed emotion only after her official declaration of death. The details of the conversation with Brian are redacted, as is the list of medications Panettiere was using.
Panettiere’s former fiancé, Wladimir Klitschko, expressed sorrow over her sudden demise. Klitschko, the Ukrainian boxer and father of their daughter Kaya, shared a heartfelt message on Instagram, emphasizing Panettiere’s significance in his life and as a mother.
The actress, who would have turned 37 soon, openly discussed her personal struggles in her recently published memoir, “This Is Me: A Reckoning.” In interviews, she addressed misconceptions about her custody arrangement for her daughter, emphasizing her dedication to her child.
Tributes from colleagues and friends continue to pour in for the late actress, with co-stars Connie Britton and Masi Oka expressing their deep grief. “Heroes” creator Tim Kring praised Panettiere’s exceptional talent and spirit. Panettiere, known for her roles in “Heroes” and “Nashville,” began her career as a child actor in films like “Remember the Titans.”
The entertainment industry mourns the loss of a talented and beloved actress.
