Hayden Panettiere's death: mother questions ex-boyfriend's account

The death of actress Hayden Panettiere on August 16 at age 36 remains under investigation, with her mother, Lesley Vogel, publicly questioning the account of Brian Hickerson, her on-and-off boyfriend who was with her when she died. Vogel told the Daily Mail that Hickerson's version of the final hours is “plagued with contradictions,” specifically questioning how he could nap beside someone who was dying. She also alleged that Hickerson had pawned some of Panettiere's belongings, including an antique guitar, without her knowledge Source: La Vanguardia. Hickerson's lawyer, Sloan Ellis, has reiterated that police found no signs of violence and urged the public to let the investigation proceed Source: Infobae.

The relationship

Panettiere and Hickerson began dating in 2018, and their relationship was marked by domestic violence incidents. Hickerson pleaded guilty in 2021 to two felony counts of injury to a spouse, receiving 45 days in jail and four years of probation Source: Clarin. A neighbor, Mia Terrazas, told Page Six that she saw Panettiere being taken out on a stretcher twice in 2023 and 2024, appearing “beaten” Source: Excelsior.

Family perspectives

Ashley Hickerson, Brian's sister, defended her brother, saying he is “the most charismatic person” and that she understands why Panettiere stayed with him. She attributed his behavior to drug use, saying, “Everyone has their demons” Source: Infobae. In contrast, Vogel has stated that the family had long tried to remove Hickerson from her daughter's life Source: El Tiempo.

What's next

The official cause of death is pending toxicology results, with the DEA assisting the investigation Source: Infobae. The question of Panettiere's estate remains unresolved, as she left no known will, and her 11-year-old daughter, Kaya, is the likely heir Source: Clarin.