Neutrogena addresses online backlash after Hayden Panettiere’s death

On August 20, Brian Hickerson, the boyfriend of late actress Hayden Panettiere, spoke out for the first time about his girlfriend's death. Hickerson's attorney, Sloan Ellis, issued a brief statement through his legal representative, confirming that police had found no signs of foul play in the investigation. Both brothers had placed a 911 call on August 16 after Panettiere, 36, was found unresponsive in a Greenville, South Carolina apartment they shared with Zach Hickerson.

Paramedics had already begun CPR when police arrived, but despite efforts, Panettiere was pronounced dead at 2:31 p.m. The autopsy revealed no evidence of trauma, further supporting the police's conclusion that foul play was not suspected. The 911 call audio, released by various outlets, indicated that Panettiere had experienced cardiac arrest, possibly due to an overdose.

Details from the police report describe Zach Hickerson as initially visibly distressed, while Brian's emotions became apparent only after his girlfriend was declared dead. Police also questioned Brian Hickerson in more detail, though specifics of that conversation were not disclosed in the report. The document mentions a bag of medication that Brian showed to officers, though the names of the drugs were redacted.

The relationship between Hayden Panettiere and Brian Hickerson had been tumultuous, marked by a history of domestic violence. In 2020, Hickerson was charged with multiple felony counts and pleaded no contest to two charges of injuring a spouse or partner. He received a 45-day jail sentence, four years of probation, and mandatory domestic violence classes and anger management meetings.

Hickerson has since completed those court-ordered requirements but was denied a request to have his felony convictions reduced to misdemeanors. Speculation arose earlier this year that the couple had reconciled, as they were photographed together.