Hayden Panettiere’s Ex-Boyfriend Was There When She Died, Police Report Reveals
New details have emerged about the final moments of Hayden Panettiere’s life.
According to a newly released police report obtained by CBS News, her on-and-off boyfriend Brian Hickerson and his brother, Zach Hickerson, were at the South Carolina apartment when Panettiere was found unresponsive on August 16.
Brian Hickerson Was At The Scene
Police records show that Brian Hickerson was present at the apartment when emergency responders arrived.
His brother Zach was also there as paramedics worked to save Hayden.
According to the report, Zach appeared visibly emotional while medical personnel performed lifesaving measures. Brian, meanwhile, did not appear visibly emotional until Hayden was pronounced dead, according to the police account.
The report does not accuse Hickerson of causing Hayden’s death.
The Brothers Were There During The Emergency
The police report states that Brian and Zach were at the residence during the emergency.
Paramedics attempted to revive Hayden, who was found in cardiac arrest.
She was ultimately pronounced dead at 2:32 p.m. on August 16.
The circumstances surrounding her death remain under investigation.
Brian Showed Police A Bag Of Medication
Another detail in the report has drawn attention.
According to police, Brian directed officers to a bag containing medications that Hayden was reportedly taking.
The specific medications were not fully identified in the publicly released report.
That detail comes as investigators continue to examine what happened before Hayden became unresponsive.
The Cause Of Death Has Not Been Confirmed
Despite recent reports about a possible overdose, officials have not officially determined Hayden Panettiere’s cause of death.
A dispatch recording reportedly referenced an overdose and cardiac arrest, while the preliminary autopsy found no signs of trauma. Toxicology and additional testing are still needed before the coroner can make a final determination.
Police have also reported no initial signs of foul play.
Hayden And Brian Had A Troubled History
Hayden and Brian Hickerson had an on-and-off relationship that became highly publicized because of domestic violence cases involving Hickerson.
According to the Associated Press, their relationship included multiple allegations of abuse, and Hickerson previously served jail time after pleading no contest to felony charges related to injuring a partner.
Despite their difficult history, reports indicate that the two had reconnected before Hayden’s death.
Recent reports have also said that Hayden had kept the renewed relationship relatively private from some of her friends.
Hayden Panettiere Was Only 36
Panettiere became famous through Heroes before becoming a major name among country music fans with her role as Juliette Barnes on Nashville.
She died just days before her 37th birthday.
Her death has prompted an outpouring of tributes from family, friends, former co-stars and fans around the world.
Now, the newly released police report is providing a closer look at the circumstances surrounding her final moments.
The investigation remains ongoing, and authorities have not yet announced a final cause of death.
