Brian Hickerson With Hayden Panettiere When She Died: Police Report

Aug 18, 2026 - 22:16

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Brian Hickerson With Hayden Panettiere When She Died: Police Report

Brian Hickerson Was With Hayden Panettiere When She Died: Police Report

Brian Hickerson was on the scene during Hayden Panettiere's shocking death.

A police incident report obtained by NBC News Aug. 18 confirmed that Brian—Hayden's on and off boyfriend—and his brother Zach Hickerson were inside the South Carolina apartment complex where the actress went into cardiac arrest on Aug. 16.

Additionally, per the report, there was a "bag of medication” that Brian told police the Heroes alum was taking before her passing.

E! News has previously made attempts to reach Brian for comment but has not heard back. Police previously confirmed that there are no immediate signs of foul play in the case, and an autopsy completed by the Greenville County Coroner’s Office Aug. 17 stated that no signs of trauma were discovered that would have contributed to Hayden's death.

One day before Hayden's passing, Brian accompanied the Nashville star during her travels from California to his home state of South Carolina, E! News learned. Just one day later, the Greenville Police Department responded to reports of an “unresponsive female” later identified as Hayden.

Five months before her tragic death, Hayden and Brian made a rare public outing, exiting Los Angeles International Airport, as seen in photos obtained by TMZ.

At the time she used crutches to get around, though as she explained in a video obtained by the outlet, "Just had some pinched nerves in my lower back, but I'm feeling good."

Hayden's relationship with the real estate agent began in 2018, with them breaking up in 2020 following a domestic violence incident that led to his arrest. Brian, who pleaded no contest to two felony counts of injuring a spouse or girlfriend, per the District Attorney's Office, was subsequently sentenced to 45 days in prison, according to court records obtained by E! News.

Roger / BACKGRID

Following his release, Brian shared insight into his post-jail journey—which included reuniting with Hayden during a night out—telling E! News in 2021, "The first step in my recovery as an abuser is making amends. That's exactly what Hayden has been gracious enough to allow me to do.”

And though they sparked reconciliation rumors in 2022, by the following year Hayden—who shared 11-year-old daughter Kaya with ex-fiancé Wladimir Klitschko—hinted her and Brian’s dynamic had evolved.

"There are feelings there, yes," she told The New York Times in a 2023 interview, with the publication noting she was hesitant to divulge the nature of her relationship with Brian, though she shared their friendship is "contingent on him continuing on this road of recovery."

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Explaining that Brian "knows he deserved what happened to him," after doing jail time for his charges, Hayden explained of their reconnecting, "I did not do any of this lightly."

Hayden's father Skip Panettiere—whose younger son Jansen Panettiere died in 2023 at 28—confirmed her death on Aug. 16, describing his family’s “profound sadness” over the loss.

“She was an incredible light," he told People in a statement, "and a force of nature who brought immeasurable love and joy to all who knew her—and to the millions who watched her onscreen.”

Keep reading for all the stars who have spoken out about Hayden's passing…

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Connie Britton

"This was Hayden. Bursting with brilliance, shining so bright," Britton wrote alongside photos of the two starring on Nashville together. "I have no words for this sad song. Just heartbreak. I love you girl. Sleep easy now."

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Jenna Ortega

The Wednesday actress shared the news of Panettiere's death to her Instagram Story, writing, "This is such a devastating loss. Rest well."

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Kim Cattrall

The Ice Princess star—who played Panettiere's mom in the 2005 Disney film—shared a photo from the movie and a touching note to the late actress.

"Rest in peace sweet Hayden," Cattrall wrote on Instagram. "Gone far too soon."

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Matt Lanter

"So sad to hear of Hayden’s passing," he wrote on Instgram. "She played my girlfriend on Commander in Chief then I went over to her show and played her boyfriend on S1 of Heroes. We always had a great time on set and tons of laughs… Man, just too young."

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Mario Lopez

"Heartbroken over the loss of Hayden," he shared. "I’ll always remember her warmth & beautiful spirit. Having known her family makes this loss feel especially personal. I’m holding Lesley, Skip & Kaya close to my heart. Rest peacefully, you will be deeply missed."

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Taryn Manning

The actress said that Panettiere's death "hurts."

"Hayden was always such a sweetheart- so rad - down to earth, kind, and consistently the same every time I saw her," Manning wrote. "We shared so many funny little moments over the years... I don’t really have words for what has happened and she is suddenly gone. I’m just grateful I got to know her and have memories like this."

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Alyssa Milano

Milano remembered Panettiere for her activism "in service of things larger than herself."

"Perhaps most quietly powerful, she spoke openly about what so many are taught to hide: domestic violence, postpartum depression, addiction, recovery, and abuse," she wrote. "She did not share these things for ease or attention, but because she understood what her silence could cost others."

She added, "Her activism was not polished or performative. It was instinctive, human, sometimes messy, often vulnerable, and always sincere. She was willing to be uncomfortable, to be misunderstood, and to speak before the world was ready to listen."

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Alyson Stoner

The Suite Life of Zack & Cody alum—who worked with Panettiere as voice actors in the Kingdom Hearts video game franchise—shared a tearful reflection.

"I just wanted to acknowledge the tremendous loss, not only for the Kingdom Hearts family, but of course all of the close loved ones and the millions of lives that Hayden reached," they said in an Instagram video. "Sending so much love to Hayden's family, I'll be thinking of Hayden and the legacy that she has left. Sending lots of love to the Kingdom Hearts community too and how we're sharing in this loss."

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Kerry Washington

"Hayden Panettiere was a beautiful talent and beautiful soul," the Scandal alum wrote. "Sending her family my love, thoughts and prayers."

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SAG-AFTRA

"We join in mourning the sudden passing of Hayden Panettiere," the union—which she joined in 1994 at age 4—began its tribute. "Starting as a child actor, Hayden's long career in TV and film included memorable roles in Heroes, Nashville and more. Our hearts are with her daughter, family, friends and fans."

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David Anders

"One of the brighter lights I've ever met and had the privilege to call a friend," the Heroes alum wrote of his costar. "I love you Hayden. Always and forever. Wherever you are now."

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James Kyson

Kyson, best known for his role as Ando Masahashi in Heroes, recalled meeting his costar while filming the sci-fi series.

"I first met Hayden when she was 16, and she was already a veteran actor with such bright spirit, and an older soul," he wrote on Instagram. "I remember her as a fierce protector of animal rights and a 'cheerleader' for kindness, justice, and people being treated fairly - something that I've always appreciated."

He also shared a reminder to online users, emphasizing, "Life can be so short… let's send some love out to the world, our loved ones, and to those who need it most today."

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Brandon Auman

"Horrible news," Auman, who directed Panettiere's final film Sleepwalker, began on Instagram. "Completely devastated. You taught me so much on set, and the personal stories you shared with me about growing up in the industry were often profound, surreal and amazing. Thank you for everything. I'll miss you, Hayden."

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JoJo

"This is such devastating news," the singer wrote on her Instagram Stories. "I am so so sorry to heard of her passing. Oh. My God."

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Chris Applebaum

Applebaum shared a throwback clip of him working with Panettiere on the music video for her 2008 song "Wake Up Call," while detailing their recent reunion.

"I directed this video for @haydenpanettiere with @imsebastianstan," he explained on Instagram. "When I saw her at Paris' a couple months ago, we were cracking up over all the funny stuff we talked about between shots, pranking Klitschko in Miami, and how tiny she was. Such a sweet, tiny little bundle of joy. Your memory will always be a blessing."

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Jeremy Renner

The Hawkeye star commented on People's Instagram post, "Bless you and your family."

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Dania Ramirez

"My heart aches so much right now," Panettiere's Heroes costar wrote. "I love you and will always miss you. I take comfort in knowing that I am with you in life and in death because your love and energy has always transcended this dimension."

"My thoughts are with your daughter and those who truly love you," she added. "I know that the ones that got to feel your gifts will forever feel blessed and grateful for you."

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Bethany Joy Lenz

After Panettiere’s death Aug. 16, her Guiding Light costar Bethany Joy Lenz was one of many who shared heartbreaking memories from their years-long friendship.

“I’m crushed,” Bethany wrote in an Instagram post. “I knew the wild little blonde. Was she nine? Ten? I was eighteen. She ran through the Screen Gem studio hallways at 222 E44th St. laughing and playing games in between blocking and camera rehearsals. Long, unruly curls trailing behind her. She knew her lines and everyone else’s. Her intelligence was astonishing.”

Noting that the pair would “connect on and off over the years,” Bethany detailed feeling joy when they “were lucky enough to cross paths.”

“I dont understand how this is real,” she continued. “Everything seemed to be turning around. She was coming BACK to life, wasn’t she? It’s too young and there’s still so much more life. And her daughter…. Hayden, you are surround by love. I’m sorry for every moment I didn’t reach out or check in. This can’t be real..”

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Viola Davis

Davis, who starred alongside Panettiere in the 2016 film Custody, remembered her as "an amazing talent."

“Julius [Tennon] and I loved working with you,” Viola wrote in her Aug. 17 Instagram post, “an old, wise soul with such a deep heart. I wish the world had more time with you because I had a burning curiosity about who you were becoming. I saw this beautiful Phoenix rising from the ashes. Your tests became your testimony, and your testimony became your legacy.”

“You will be remembered,” the Fences star added. “Rest well, Hayden. Sending healing prayers to your family, your daughter, and all who loved you. May they always speak your name.”

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Selma Blair

Underneath the Heroes actress’ final Instagram post, Blair penned a heartbreaking message: "I love you. Don’t be gone. Don’t be gone. Please. Please.” The Legally Blonde alum later added, “I'm dying. Please be here."

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Kelly Osbourne

“I am deeply saddened by the loss of someone who meant so much to me,” Osbourne wrote alongside a photo of Panettiere. “We understood each other in a way few truly can — recognizing how difficult it is to grow up in the spotlight, and how isolating it can feel even when surrounded by so many people.”

Osbourne praised Panettiere as being “such a good friend.”

“I will never forget you, Hayden, and I will always believe you deserved better,” the Osbournes alum added. “Rest in peace, sweet princess. You will never be forgotten.”

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Rosie O'Donnell

"Oh my god," the comedian wrote alongside a photo of Panettiere Aug. 16, "heartbroken. #hayden."

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Melissa Barrera

Panettiere's Scream costar Barrera wrote on her Instagram Stories Aug. 16, “Rest in peace sweet Hayden.”

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Jay Shetty

The podcaster—who sat down with the Bring It On: All or Nothing star in May for an emotional conversation about her sobriety journey and the death of her brother—shared he was in "disbelief."

"You were so special," he wrote on his Instagram Stories alongside a clip of her podcast episode. "May you always be protected and peaceful."

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Heather Matarazzo

The Princess Diaries star shared she met the Ice Princess actress during their early days of acting.

“Devastated,” she captioned a photo of the pair on Instagram. “We first met on the LIRR traveling to NYC for auditions when we were both kids. Every time our paths crossed, my heart always filled up. She was special. She was a Sprite of a being and such a talent. Truly a light…..Love you, Hayden.”

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