Brian Hickerson Addresses Hayden Panettiere's Death Publicly for First Time
Panettiere's on-off boyfriend offered a brief response to photographers while fueling his car.
Brian Hickerson, the on-off boyfriend of the late Hayden Panettiere, has publicly commented on her death for the first time. Responding to a photographer asking how he was coping, Hickerson, 37, stated, "How do you think I'm doing?" as he refueled his car at a gas station in Greenville, South Carolina.
He added, "Appreciate it – that's all I got for you, man," a month after Panettiere's death at 36 on August 16 in Greenville. Authorities indicated her passing was the result of a suspected drug overdose.
Hickerson's attorney, Sloan Ellis, previously stated on August 20 that the investigation into Panettiere's death was ongoing and that there were no signs of foul play. Ellis indicated that no further comment would be made out of respect for Panettiere's loved ones and the investigation.
Recent reports suggest Panettiere's death may have resulted from consuming a single oxycodone pill laced with fentanyl. Unnamed sources have contributed to conflicting information circulating about the circumstances of her death, which her representative stated remains under investigation pending toxicology results.
A representative for Panettiere confirmed that the probe into her passing is still underway, cautioning against unverified reports. The statement emphasized the need for patience as the investigative process unfolds to provide answers.
Earlier in the week, insiders told TMZ that Panettiere's Los Angeles residence was searched by Drug Enforcement Administration agents on August 25. The search aimed to gather evidence regarding the source of the narcotics that led to her death. According to TMZ, officials believe Panettiere consumed a pill that day containing oxycodone mixed with fentanyl. Sources indicated Panettiere had a long-term drug dealer in Los Angeles from whom she acquired narcotics illegally, including oxycodone.
Authorities reported that on the day prior to her death, Panettiere had taken multiple drugs purchased in Los Angeles before traveling to South Carolina. First responders arrived at a Greenville condominium where resuscitation attempts were made before Panettiere was pronounced dead. A report indicated that Brian Hickerson provided authorities with a "bag of medication" belonging to Panettiere.
Hickerson has been involved in several incidents following Panettiere's death. On Saturday, he was seen handcuffed by police after an altercation at the Wild Wing Cafe in Greenville. Sources told TMZ that Hickerson and his brother clashed with other patrons after being heckled about Panettiere's death. During the incident, Hickerson reportedly threw a barstool and stated, "GPD leaked it when my girlfriend died." His brother, Zach, was taken into custody in connection with disorderly conduct.
The day after his brother's release from jail, Hickerson was involved in a motorcycle accident while riding with Zach as a passenger. Zach was seen limping after being thrown from the motorcycle. A source close to Hickerson told The Daily Mail that he is "not dealing with things well" and is "all kinds of f****d up right now."