Hayden Panettiere’s Estranged Mom Speaks Out After Her Death: “She Lost Her Way”
Hayden Panettiere’s estranged mother, Lesley Vogel, has broken her silence following the actress’ sudden death at the age of 36.
In her first public comments since the tragedy, Vogel reflected on her daughter’s life, the pressures she faced growing up in Hollywood, and their complicated relationship. She also addressed Brian Hickerson, Hayden’s on-and-off boyfriend who was reportedly present when she died.
Hayden’s Mother Breaks Her Silence
Vogel, who previously worked as her daughter’s manager, spoke with NBC News about the devastating loss.
She reflected on the difficulties young performers can face after entering the entertainment industry at an early age.
Vogel said she believes it can become extremely difficult for someone in that environment to remain true to themselves.
Speaking about Hayden, she said:
“I think Hayden sadly lost her way.”
She added that she wished things had turned out differently and that Hayden had remained true to herself, noting that her daughter possessed many incredible qualities.
She Believes Hayden Is With Her Brother Again
One of Vogel’s most emotional comments concerned Hayden’s younger brother, Jansen Panettiere.
Jansen died unexpectedly in February 2023 at only 28 years old due to an enlarged heart and complications involving his aortic valve.
His death had an enormous impact on Hayden, who later spoke openly about the grief she experienced after losing him.
Now, their mother says she finds some comfort in believing her two children are together again.
Vogel said she feels Hayden is now with her brother and that “they’re at peace.”
Lesley Vogel Also Addressed Brian Hickerson
Vogel also made strong comments about Hayden’s relationship with Brian Hickerson.
According to a recently released police report, Hickerson and his brother were at the South Carolina apartment when Hayden was found unresponsive.
Vogel told NBC News that Hickerson was someone the family had been trying to remove from Hayden’s life for a long time.
She specifically noted that he was with Hayden when she died.
Hickerson and Hayden had a troubled history that included domestic violence cases. He previously served jail time after pleading no contest to charges stemming from incidents involving Hayden.
Authorities have not accused Hickerson of causing Hayden’s death.
Hayden And Her Mother Had A Complicated Relationship
Hayden had spoken publicly about the difficult relationship she shared with her mother.
Vogel began managing Hayden’s career when she was a child, but Hayden eventually ended their professional relationship when she was 19 and working on Heroes.
In her memoir This Is Me: A Reckoning, released earlier this year, Hayden described tensions between them and her desire to have Vogel simply be her mother rather than her manager.
Their relationship remained strained in the years that followed.
Only months before her death, Hayden acknowledged that she and her mother were not close, although she indicated she remained open to the possibility of reconciliation.
Questions Surrounding Hayden’s Death Remain
Hayden was found unresponsive at a residence in Greenville, South Carolina, on August 16.
Emergency personnel attempted to save her, but she was pronounced dead at the age of 36.
Although reports surrounding the emergency have referenced a possible overdose, authorities have not announced an official cause of death. The investigation and additional testing remain ongoing.
As new details continue to emerge, Vogel’s comments provide another deeply personal perspective on Hayden’s life and final years.
For her mother, however, there is at least one thought providing some comfort amid the tragedy: the belief that Hayden has been reunited with her beloved younger brother.
