
New information has emerged about the final moments of actress Hayden Panettiere’s life as authorities continue investigating the circumstances surrounding her sudden death in Greenville, South Carolina.
The Heroes and Nashville star, who was 36 years old, was found unresponsive at an apartment complex on August 16. Emergency responders attempted life-saving measures, but she was pronounced dead at the scene after efforts to revive her were unsuccessful.
According to a police incident report, Panettiere’s former partner Brian Hickerson and his brother Zach were present at the apartment when emergency services arrived. The report has been partially redacted, but it provides new details about the response and the moments before Panettiere’s death.
Brian Hickerson and Brother Were at the Scene

Police records indicate that Zach Hickerson contacted emergency services after Panettiere was discovered unresponsive. When officers arrived, they found paramedics performing CPR on the actress.
The responding officer noted that Panettiere did not appear to have visible physical injuries at the time she was found. Authorities have said that the preliminary investigation has not revealed evidence of foul play, although the official cause of death remains pending further testing.
The report stated that Zach appeared highly emotional while medical teams worked to save Panettiere. Brian Hickerson, meanwhile, reportedly became emotional only after emergency workers confirmed that the actress had died.
Hickerson also reportedly provided officers with a bag containing medications that Panettiere had been taking. Details about the specific medications were not released because parts of the report remain confidential.
A Complicated Relationship Under Renewed Attention

The circumstances surrounding Panettiere’s death have brought renewed attention to her complicated relationship with Hickerson.
The pair began dating in 2018, but their relationship became controversial after Hickerson faced multiple domestic violence allegations. Panettiere later discussed the relationship and her experiences in her memoir, describing the emotional and physical challenges she endured.
Hickerson was previously convicted of felony domestic violence-related charges and received probation, jail time, and required counseling. Despite their troubled history, the pair reportedly remained connected over the years and were believed to have reconciled at various points.
Their renewed connection had reportedly remained private to some people close to Panettiere, making the circumstances of her final days even more complicated.
Investigation Remains Ongoing

Authorities continue to investigate Panettiere’s death, with toxicology results expected to provide additional information.
Officials have confirmed that an autopsy found no signs of trauma, and investigators have not identified evidence suggesting criminal involvement. However, because the death was unexpected, authorities continue reviewing all available information.
Brian Hickerson’s attorney has asked the public to allow the investigation to continue and said there would be no further comment while authorities review the circumstances.
Family and Fans Remember the Actress
Panettiere became a household name at a young age, appearing in television and film before becoming internationally recognized for roles in Heroes and Nashville.
Throughout her life, she was also open about personal struggles, including addiction and postpartum depression. She spoke publicly about her journey toward recovery and her efforts to rebuild her life after difficult years.
Following her death, friends, fans, and former colleagues have shared tributes celebrating her talent, determination, and impact on audiences around the world.
Questions Remain After Sudden Loss
As investigators continue gathering information, many questions remain about what happened inside the Greenville apartment before emergency crews arrived.
The release of the police report has provided some insight into the timeline of events, but key details remain unknown while officials await additional medical findings.
For those who followed Panettiere’s career from childhood stardom to her later advocacy and personal journey, her sudden passing has become a deeply emotional moment.
The investigation continues as family, friends, and fans wait for answers about the final chapter of the actress’s life.