Hayden Panettiere’s On-and-Off Boyfriend Brian Hickerson Wasn’t Visibly Emotional Until She Was Declared Dead: Police Report

Julia MooreTue, August 18, 2026 at 4:19 PM UTC

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Hayden Panettiere died on Sunday, Aug. 16 at 36

Her official cause of death has not yet been released, but dispatch audio from around the time of her death included officials discussing an “overdose” and “cardiac arrest”

According to a police report, her on-again, off-again boyfriend Brian Hickerson was on the scene when she died

New information has been released surrounding the sudden death of Hayden Panettiere.

The actress was found dead at a residence in Greenville, South Carolina, on Sunday, Aug. 16. She was 36.

Her on-again, off-again boyfriend, Brian Hickerson, was on the scene when first responders arrived at the residence, according to a police report obtained by NBC News. Brian and his brother, Zach Hickerson, were with Panettiere, and Brian directed police to a “bag of medication” the late actress was taking, per the report.

Hayden Panettiere; Brian HickersonCredit: Jon Kopaloff/Getty; LionsShareNews / BACKGRID

Matthew Bryan was the responding officer on the scene and wrote in the report that Zach was “very emotional,” while Brian was not visibly emotional until Panettiere was declared dead.

A law enforcement source previously confirmed to PEOPLE that Hickerson was with Panettiere at the time of her death. She was first linked to him in 2018, and was most recently seen with him in March at Los Angeles International Airport (LAX).

During their years-long relationship, Hickerson was arrested numerous times, on charges including domestic violence in 2019 and 2020. Panettiere later described the period as “a very dark and complicated time in my life,” as she was privately struggling with addiction to alcohol and opioids.

Hayden Panettiere; Brian HickersonCredit: Michael Buckner/Variety via Getty; Brian Hickerson/Instagram

Following Brian’s 2020 arrest on eight domestic violence charges, Panettiere released a statement. “I am coming forward with the truth about what happened to me in the hope that my story will empower others in abusive relationships to get the help they need and deserve,” she said. “I am prepared to do my part to make sure this man never hurts anyone again.”

In 2021, Hickerson pleaded no contest to two felony counts of injuring a partner, related to the 2020 arrest. He was sentenced to 45 days in jail, four years of formal probation, 52 domestic violence classes, $500 in restitution and a five-year protective order.

Brian Hickerson; Hayden PanettiereCredit: Eric Charbonneau/Shutterstock

He spent 13 days in jail. The other charges were dropped. The 2019 case was dismissed.

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Panettiere’s official cause of death has not yet been released, but officials were heard discussing an “overdose” and “cardiac arrest” around the time of her death, according to dispatch audio obtained by PEOPLE.

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A spokesperson for the Greenville Police Department said in a statement obtained by PEOPLE that police and EMS personnel responded to a 911 call around 1:50 p.m. local time on Sunday. “Upon arrival, medical assistance was administered; however, the individual, later identified as Hayden Panettiere, was pronounced deceased at the scene,” the spokesperson said.

“The case is under investigation by the Greenville Police Department in conjunction with the Greenville County Coroner’s Office,” the spokesperson continued. “The preliminary investigation has not indicated any signs of foul play or suspicious circumstances. An acquaintance of Ms. Panettiere placed the 911 call.”

Hayden Panettiere attends The Hollywood Reporter Emmy Party on September 10, 2022Credit: Jon Kopaloff/Getty

According to the Greenville County Coroner’s Office, first responders and Emergency Medical Service “initiated advanced cardiac life support measures.”

“However, resuscitation efforts were unsuccessful, and the individual was pronounced deceased at 2:32 PM,” the statement from the coroner said.

Panettiere’s representative confirmed the news on Aug. 16 and shared a statement on behalf of the star’s father, Alan Panettiere, who said, “It is with profound sadness that we share the tragic passing of our beloved Hayden. She was an incredible light and a force of nature who brought immeasurable love and joy to all who knew her — and to the millions who watched her onscreen.”

If you or someone you know is struggling with mental health challenges, emotional distress, substance use problems, or just needs to talk, call or text 988, or chat at 988lifeline.org 24/7.

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Source: “AOL Breaking”