Hayden Panettiere’s on-and-off boyfriend was at apartment where she died, police report says

Greenville police report reveals that Brian Hickerson, then on-and-off boyfriend of actress Hayden Panettiere, and his brother Zach were present at the South Carolina apartment where Panettiere passed away over the weekend. A Greenville officer encountered the brothers upon arrival, and later observed paramedics performing CPR on an unresponsive woman, who was identified as Panettiere.

Despite efforts, the emergency workers pronounced her dead at 2:31 p.m. The cause of death remains undetermined, and the investigation is ongoing. No signs of trauma or foul play were found in the autopsy. Panettiere, a former child star known for her roles in "Heroes" and "Nashville," battled alcohol addiction and depression. She was in a tumultuous relationship with Hickerson, who had a history of physical abuse allegations against her.

Hickerson served a short jail term for felony abuse in 2020 and completed probation and counseling. Panettiere, who celebrated her 36th birthday the day before her death, had endured numerous family struggles, including her parents' divorce and the early death of her younger brother.