Hayden Panettiere Dead at 36: Ex-Boyfriend with Domestic Violence History Was at Scene
SingTao · 1 SOURCESabout 2 hours ago2 MIN
Summary
Hayden Panettiere, the American actress best known for her leading role in the supernatural drama Heroes, died at age 36 on November 16 in Greenville, South Carolina. She was discovered unconscious in an armchair in her apartment and could not be revived despite nearly an hour of resuscitation efforts. Her ex-boyfriend Brian Hickerson, who had been convicted of domestic violence against her, and his brother Zach Hickerson were both present at the scene. Investigators also found naloxone, an opioid overdose reversal spray, among her belongings.
Key Points
- Panettiere, who starred as Claire Bennet in Heroes and in the Scream franchise, was found by Zach Hickerson around 1:30 p.m. on November 16
- Brian Hickerson, 37, was Panettiere's ex-boyfriend who was arrested in 2019 for assaulting her and again on Valentine's Day 2020 when he beat her while drunk
- Hickerson pleaded no contest to two domestic violence charges in 2021, receiving a 45-day jail sentence, 4 years probation, 52 domestic violence counseling sessions, a $500 fine, and a 5-year protective order
- Panettiere and Hickerson ended their relationship in 2022 but reconnected as friends in 2023, with Hickerson telling TMZ in May they were "good friends" and "good brothers"
- Her mother Lesley Vogel told NBC News that she and Panettiere's father had long opposed Hickerson and worried about his influence, saying, "We tried to get rid of that person, but he was still around her when she died"
Why It Matters
Panettiere's death highlights the ongoing dangers faced by domestic violence survivors even after leaving abusive relationships. Her mother's comments reveal that despite the legal protections and family opposition, Hickerson remained in her life until the end. The presence of naloxone at the scene raises questions about potential substance abuse issues that may have contributed to her death, adding another layer to this already tragic case of intimate partner violence.
Panettiere's death highlights the ongoing dangers faced by domestic violence survivors even after leaving abusive relationships. Her mother's comments reveal that despite the legal protections and family opposition, Hickerson remained in her life until the end. The presence of naloxone at the scene raises questions about potential substance abuse issues that may have contributed to her death, adding another layer to this already tragic case of intimate partner violence.