NEWSHayden Panettiere's Mom Says Late Actress Was 'Afraid' and Struggling 'Physically' Before Death
Hayden Panettiere’s mother Lesley Vogel spoke about the actress’ physical and emotional struggles before her death.
Aug. 24 2026, Updated 10:01 a.m. ET
Hayden Panettiere's mother, Lesley Vogel, recalled the time she spent with the actress in Los Angeles one year before her death.
"She was afraid. She couldn’t physically function properly," Vogel told The New York Times in an article published on August 23.
Vogel said she took her daughter to doctors and tried massage and acupuncture after Panettiere experienced a “pins and needles” feeling in her legs.
"She was in pain," Vogel added.
However, the symptoms made it difficult for the actress to work, while their cause remained unclear.
Lesley Vogel Raised More Concerns About Brian Hickerson
Hayden Panettiere’s mother, Lesley Vogel, recalled the actress’ struggles with physical pain.
Vogel discussed Panettiere’s relationship with her ex-boyfriend, Brian Hickerson, during the same interview, making further allegations about how he treated her belongings.
She alleged that Hickerson once pawned "some of" Panettiere's possessions, including a vintage guitar.
Vogel also said her daughter was "shocked" after discovering some of her belongings in Hickerson’s storage unit.
A person spoke anonymously to The New York Times and reportedly supported part of Vogel’s account, saying Hickerson sold several of Panettiere's belongings.
Hayden Panettiere Worked to Regain Her Strength
Hayden Panettiere worked with fitness expert Marnie Alton to rebuild her strength.
Fitness expert Marnie Alton began working with Panettiere in 2024 and recalled the actress' determination during that period.
"She was a bada--," Alton told The New York Times.
Alton continued, "She was really smart. She kept fighting for her body because she felt like, 'If I can get my strength back, I can get myself back.'"
Alton’s comments offered another perspective on Panettiere’s efforts to improve her physical condition while also working through emotional challenges.
- Hayden Panettiere's Estranged Mom Says Family Was Trying to 'Get Rid' of Abusive Boyfriend Brian Hickerson in Scathing Statement After Actress' Death
- Hayden Panettiere Was Found Unresponsive in Chair by Boyfriend Brian Hickerson's Brother: Source
- Hayden Panettiere's Boyfriend Brian Hickerson Emphasizes Police Found 'No Signs of Foul Play' in First Statement Amid Investigation Into Her Death
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Hayden Panettiere’s Cause of Death Remained Unconfirmed
Hayden Panettiere's cause of death remained unconfirmed and Brian Hickerson’s attorney addressed the investigation into it.
The cause of Panettiere’s death remained unconfirmed, while an autopsy reportedly showed "no signs of trauma" that contributed to her passing.
A local police report stated that Panettiere’s on-again, off-again ex and his brother, Zach Hickerson, were present at the scene where she died.
Brian's attorney, Sloan Ellis, addressed the investigation in a statement to Us Weekly on Thursday, August 20.
"Hayden’s death remains under investigation and it is important to allow that investigation to proceed," Sloan said.
"As has been publicly reported, police confirmed there were no signs of foul play. Out of respect for Hayden’s loved ones and the ongoing investigation, there will be no further comment at this time," he continued.
Brian Hickerson described finding Hayden Panettiere unresponsive before her death.
Brian later described what happened after he and his brother found Hayden unresponsive.
"When we went in and tried to wake Hayden up for lunch, we realized she was unconscious," he alleged to TMZ on Friday, August 21.
He continued, "I immediately called 911, and Brian gave her Narcan. We then jointly performed CPR while 911 was on speaker until Fire and EMS arrived. At that point, we watched as they tried every measure possible to save her life."
