Hayden Panettiere’s boyfriend, Brian Hickerson, along with his brother Zach Hickerson, were present at the South Carolina apartment where the actress passed away. This information was disclosed in a police report made public on Tuesday. A police officer who arrived at the scene on Sunday found the Hickerson brothers and witnessed paramedics administering CPR to an unresponsive woman, as stated in the report. Despite efforts to revive her, Panettiere was pronounced dead at 2:31 p.m. The cause of her death is still unknown, and investigations are ongoing. A post-mortem examination revealed no signs of physical harm, and authorities have not found any evidence of foul play. Panettiere, aged 36, had a tumultuous relationship with Brian Hickerson, who faced allegations of physical abuse towards the actress. In 2020, he was charged with multiple counts of felony abuse, to which he pleaded no contest. Following a brief jail term, he was placed on four years’ probation and ordered to attend anger management and Alcoholics Anonymous sessions. Despite completing the requirements, his recent petition to downgrade his conviction to misdemeanors was rejected by a Los Angeles judge last Thursday. The police report, heavily redacted, mentioned Zach Hickerson informing the officer that the unresponsive woman was his brother’s girlfriend. The report also noted emotional reactions from both brothers during the emergency response. After Panettiere’s death was confirmed, the officer escorted the Hickersons out of the apartment. Further details of the conversation with Brian were redacted. Additionally, a list of medications taken by Panettiere was also redacted from the report. Panettiere’s ex-fiancé, Wladimir Klitschko, expressed his grief over her sudden passing. Klitschko, the Ukrainian boxer and father of their daughter Kaya, shared a heartfelt message on Instagram, emphasizing the impact Panettiere had on their lives. Kaya, born in December 2014, now resides with Klitschko in Ukraine following the couple’s separation in 2018 due to Panettiere’s struggles with addiction and postpartum depression. Panettiere had been candid about her personal challenges in her recently released memoir, “This Is Me: A Reckoning,” which delved into her experiences with early fame, addiction, and postpartum depression. Despite misconceptions, she clarified in an interview that she did not willingly give up custody of her daughter. Tributes for Panettiere continue to flood in from colleagues and friends, expressing sorrow over her untimely demise. Connie Britton, her co-star in “Nashville,” and Masi Oka, from “Heroes,” shared heartfelt messages honoring Panettiere’s memory. Tim Kring, the creator of “Heroes,” praised her exceptional talent and the impact she had on those around her. Panettiere, known for her roles in “Heroes” and “Nashville,” began her acting career as a child star in films such as “Remember the Titans” in 2000.
