Brian Hickerson’s Brother Defends Him and Details Hayden Panettiere’s Final Moments

The Discovery at the Greenville Airbnb

Panettiere died at the age of 36 in South Carolina, triggering a multi-jurisdictional investigation that reportedly involves the Drug Enforcement Administration, according to initial reporting from TMZ. Zach Hickerson detailed to TMZ that he went to the rental home on Sunday morning after failing to reach his brother and the actor following church services. Zach stated that he knocked loudly, waking Brian from a nap on the living room pull-out couch.

Upon attempting to wake Panettiere, the brothers realized she was unresponsive. Zach stated, “I immediately called 911 and Brian gave her Narcan. We then jointly performed CPR while 911 was on speaker until Fire and EMS arrived.” Dispatch audio from the incident referenced an emergency call concerning an apparent overdose. Paramedics subsequently attempted life-saving measures before declaring Panettiere dead at the scene.

Scrutiny and Public Speculation

Prior to these events, Brian faced multiple domestic violence arrests involving Panettiere, including a May 2019 arrest in Los Angeles and a February 2020 arrest in Wyoming. In April 2021, Brian pleaded no contest to two felony counts of injuring a spouse or girlfriend, resulting in a 45-day jail sentence, four years of formal probation, and a protective order. Court records show that a Los Angeles judge denied a request by Brian to expunge and reduce those felony charges just three days prior to Panettiere’s death.

Public scrutiny grew further when Panettiere’s mother, Lesley Vogel, publicly pointed blame toward Brian for her daughter’s death, according to coverage by Yahoo Entertainment. Additionally, Mia Terrazas, a former West Hollywood neighbor of Panettiere, told Inside Edition that she felt terrified of Brian and noted that past management posted signs in their complex warning residents to notify police if he was spotted.

Public Statements and Investigation Status

In his statement to TMZ, Zach Hickerson sought to counter what he characterized as misinformation circulating online. “The truth will come out as the authorities complete and release additional details from the investigation,” Zach stated. “And that is important because the people who loved and adored Hayden deserve the truth.” Zach added that he viewed Panettiere as one of his closest friends over an eight-year period and urged the public to halt sensationalism surrounding her passing.

Authorities in South Carolina continue to investigate the exact cause and manner of death. As the investigation progresses, officials have indicated that toxicology reports and finalized autopsy findings from local medical examiners will provide definitive answers regarding the substances involved.