Were Hayden Panettiere and Brian Hickerson Together When She Died? What to Know So Far

Hayden Panettiere had a turbulent, on and off relationship with Brian Hickerson in the years before her death.

After ending her engagement to Wladimir Klitschko, the Heroes actress began a tumultuous romance with the real estate agent and aspiring actor. Although they called it quits in 2022, their complicated relationship returned to the center of public attention following Panettiere's death on August 16.

Here's what to know about Panettiere and Hickerson's relationship, including whether they were together at the time of her death.

Panettiere and Hickerson flew from Los Angeles to the "south" on August 15, one day before news of her death broke, according to TMZ.

As OK! reported, the 36-year-old was found unresponsive at a loft apartment in Greenville, S.C., on August 16. Police reports noted that "medical assistance was administered; however, the individual, later identified as Hayden Panettiere, was pronounced deceased at the scene." A 911 audio, which was released later, recorded the dispatchers making mention of "cardiac arrest" and a potential "overdose."

"An autopsy was completed today. At autopsy, no signs of trauma were discovered that would have contributed to the death," the Greenville County Coroner's Office and Coroner Mike Ellis released an autopsy report less than 24 hours after Panettiere's death. "The cause and manner of death remain pending further investigation and the completion of additional studies. This investigation remains active and ongoing. No further details are available for release at this time."

Police reports also confirmed Brian and his brother, Zach Hickerson, were present at the time of Hayden's death. Heavily redacted records reviewed by NBC stated that Zach was "very emotional" as medical personnel attempted to revive her, while Brian reportedly became emotional only after she was pronounced dead.

Reporting officer Matthew Bryan stated Brian showed him a "bag of medication," though the names were of the nine medications were redacted. Zach later revealed to TMZ his brother gave Hayden Narcan, a medication used to reverse the effects of an opioid overdose.

Although Brian confirmed he and Hayden permanently split in July 2022, a source claimed they quietly rekindled things at some point and even spent the December 2023 holidays together with his family in South Carolina.

"Brian and Hayden truly never broke up and really just [laid] low in the months after his arrest [for domestic battery] and her public declarations of healing herself," a source said. "Hayden knows that being with Brian is terrible for her image, so she doesn't post about him, but they are together. They can't stay away from each other."

A separate insider told Page Six the couple kept their reunion private from those closest to Hayden, noting it was "something she was hiding because she wasn't speaking about it with many of her friends."

In a statement issued through his lawyer, Brian noted Hayden's death remains under investigation and said it is "important to allow the investigation to proceed." He also reiterated police findings indicating no foul play was involved.

"Out of respect for Hayden's loved ones and the ongoing investigation, there will be no further comment at this time," the statement continued.