Hayden Panettiere's Boyfriend Brian Hickerson Breaks Silence on Her Death Via Attorney

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Brian Hickerson Breaks Silence on Hayden Panettiere’s Death Through Attorney

Published: August 20, 2026

Brian Hickerson, the on-again, off-again boyfriend of actress Hayden Panettiere, has broken his silence following her sudden death through a statement issued by his attorney.

Panettiere, 36, was found unresponsive at a residence in Greenville, South Carolina, on August 16. Hickerson and his brother, Zach, were present when emergency responders arrived, according to a police report.

Hickerson’s Attorney Issues Statement

Hickerson's attorney, Sloan Ellis, released a brief statement emphasizing that the circumstances surrounding Panettiere's death remain under investigation.

The statement said, in part, that it is important to allow the investigation to proceed and noted that police have publicly confirmed there were no signs of foul play.

The attorney also said there would be no further comment out of respect for Panettiere's loved ones and the ongoing investigation.

Death Remains Under Investigation

Panettiere was reportedly found in cardiac arrest, and an initial report indicated there was no obvious physical reason for her to be unresponsive. Authorities have not announced an official cause or manner of death.

Reports of a possible overdose have circulated, but the official cause of death has not been determined. The Drug Enforcement Administration has also joined the investigation, although the agency has not disclosed its specific role.

Hickerson Was With Panettiere

According to the police report, Hickerson and his brother were at the residence when Panettiere was found.

Hickerson and Panettiere had a complicated, on-and-off relationship over several years. Their history included domestic violence cases involving Hickerson, who pleaded no contest to two felony charges in 2021.

Despite the history between them, Hickerson's attorney is now asking that the investigation be allowed to continue without speculation.

The investigation remains ongoing as authorities work to determine exactly what happened in the hours leading up to Panettiere's death.