Hayden Panettiere’s mother speaks out: ABC News exclusive

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SeffkbnyL9k

Lesley Vogel, the mother of late actress Hayden Panettiere, is speaking publicly about her daughter’s life, their complicated relationship and the circumstances surrounding Panettiere’s sudden death.

In an emotional exclusive interview with ABC News, Vogel reflected on her daughter’s struggles, her career in Hollywood and the painful distance that developed between them in the years before Panettiere’s death.

A Mother Grieving Her Daughter

Panettiere died on August 16 at age 36 after she was found unresponsive at a residence in South Carolina. Authorities have said the cause and manner of death remain under investigation. An autopsy found no signs of trauma, and authorities have not announced an official cause of death.

Vogel described herself as devastated and said she was initially numb following the loss of her daughter.

She also reflected on the challenges Panettiere faced after becoming a child star, saying the entertainment industry can place enormous pressure on young performers. Vogel said she believes Hayden ultimately “lost her way” and expressed regret that things turned out differently.

Mother and Daughter Had a Complicated Relationship

Vogel and Panettiere had been estranged in recent years. Their relationship became a subject of public discussion after Panettiere addressed her upbringing and relationship with her mother in her 2026 memoir.

Vogel has disputed some of the claims made in the memoir and offered her own perspective on their strained relationship.

During the ABC News interview, she discussed the difficult period in which she and Hayden became increasingly distant, while emphasizing that she continued to love her daughter.

Concerns About Brian Hickerson

Vogel also spoke about her concerns regarding Brian Hickerson, Panettiere's on-again, off-again boyfriend.

Hickerson and his brother were reportedly with Panettiere when she died. Vogel said her family had been concerned about Hickerson for years because of his history with her daughter. Hickerson was previously arrested in connection with domestic violence allegations involving Panettiere and pleaded no contest in 2021.

Hickerson has denied involvement in Panettiere's death through his attorney, who has urged people to allow authorities to complete their investigation. Police have said there were no initial signs of foul play.

Remembering Hayden

Despite their complicated history, Vogel said she wants her daughter to be remembered for who she was beyond the struggles that became part of her public story.

Panettiere was known for roles in “Heroes,” “Nashville” and the “Scream” franchise, as well as her work as a singer and longtime child performer.

Vogel said Hayden was an incredibly talented person and hopes people will remember her intelligence, personality and accomplishments rather than defining her solely by the difficulties she faced.

The investigation into Panettiere’s death remains ongoing.