Brian Hickerson, known for his on-again, off-again relationship with actress Hayden Panettiere, has publicly addressed her recent tragic death through his legal counsel. Sloan Ellis, Hickerson's attorney, released a concise statement on Thursday regarding the circumstances surrounding Panettiere's passing.
Ellis stated, "Hayden's death remains under investigation, and it is important to allow that investigation to proceed. As has been publicly reported, police confirmed there were no signs of foul play." The statement also emphasized, "Out of respect for Hayden's loved ones and the ongoing investigation, there will be no further comment at this time." It further clarified, "The GPD response is the same as in all death investigations. The Police Department works with the Coroner’s Office, receives its findings, reviews the facts and evidence and then decides if a criminal investigation is warranted. There were no signs of foul play during the initial response and investigation."
Investigation Details Emerge
Separately, on Wednesday, authorities from Greenville visited a South Carolina residence associated with both Brian Hickerson and Zach Hickerson. This occurred just days after Panettiere's death. While officers appeared to be conducting a welfare check, no one responded at the door. Police cruisers were observed at the location twice on Wednesday morning, first around 8 a.m. and again near 10 a.m.
Tragic Passing of a Beloved Actress
Hayden Panettiere, renowned for her roles in "Nashville" and "Remember the Titans," passed away on Sunday at the age of 36. She was discovered unresponsive and in cardiac arrest at an apartment in Greenville, South Carolina. Despite resuscitation attempts, they were unsuccessful, and the actress was pronounced deceased. Reports indicate that Brian Hickerson was present at the Greenville apartment when Panettiere was found. Law enforcement subsequently executed a search warrant at the residence. The police report also mentioned that Zach, presumably Zach Hickerson, appeared "very emotional" as paramedics worked to revive Panettiere.
A Tumultuous Relationship History
Panettiere and Hickerson's relationship spanned several years prior to her death, characterized by its intermittent nature. The couple reportedly first met through mutual acquaintances in 2018, shortly after Panettiere's separation from Wladimir Klitschko. Hickerson, a South Carolina native, had a background in real estate before venturing into acting, securing a minor role in the 2017 thriller "M.F.A." It is understood that Hickerson traveled with the actress from Los Angeles the day before she was discovered unresponsive at the Greenville apartment complex on August 16. Although they had a brief separation in 2022, their romance rekindled the following year. Hickerson's brother confirmed to police that Brian was in a relationship with Panettiere at the time of her passing.
Their relationship was also marked by significant legal challenges that garnered public attention. Hickerson faced his initial domestic violence charge involving Panettiere in 2019. He was arrested again in 2020 on eight felony domestic violence charges, which included felony counts of corporal injury on a spouse/cohabitant, a felony charge of assault with a deadly weapon, and a misdemeanor charge of battery on a spouse/cohabitant. In 2021, Hickerson received a sentence after entering a no-contest plea to two felony charges stemming from the domestic violence incidents with Panettiere, with the remaining charges dismissed as part of the plea agreement. Notably, just three days before Panettiere's death, Hickerson appeared in a Los Angeles court, seeking to have his felony charges reduced.
