Brian Hickerson Breaks Silence on Hayden Panettiere's Death

Brian Hickerson, the on-again, off-again boyfriend of the late actress Hayden Panettiere, has broken his silence regarding her death. Panettiere passed away at age 36 from an apparent overdose on August 16.

Hickerson was approached by a photographer at a gas station in Greenville, South Carolina, approximately one month after Panettiere's death. When asked how he was doing, he responded, "How do you think I'm doing?" He offered a brief "Appreciate it" when the photographer extended condolences.

During the interaction, Hickerson had a visible injury near his left eye, which is presumed to be from an altercation he was involved in at a bar in Greenville on August 14. Videos obtained by TMZ show Hickerson flinging a bar stool during the incident. He was handcuffed by police at the scene but was ultimately released without charges. A spokesperson for the Greenville Police Department stated that Hickerson's brother, Zach Hickerson, who was also present, was arrested and charged with disorderly conduct for being highly intoxicated and disruptive.

Hickerson's attorney had previously issued a statement on his behalf after Panettiere's death, noting that the investigation into her passing was ongoing and requesting privacy out of respect for her loved ones. The statement also indicated that no further comments would be made at that time.

Both Brian and Zach Hickerson were present at the Airbnb in Greenville where Panettiere was found unresponsive. According to a heavily redacted police report, Zach Hickerson appeared emotional while emergency services worked on Panettiere, while Brian did not become emotional until she was officially declared dead. Responding paramedics attempted resuscitation measures, but Panettiere was pronounced deceased at 2:32 p.m.

Panettiere and Hickerson had a tumultuous relationship since 2018. Hickerson had been arrested multiple times for domestic violence against Panettiere, and she detailed instances of abuse from him in her memoir, "This Is Me: A Reckoning." A source indicated that Panettiere had reconnected with Hickerson approximately two weeks before her death, despite concerns from her inner circle about their relationship.

Reports suggest that investigators are looking into whether Panettiere ingested an oxycodone pill laced with fentanyl prior to her death. The Drug Enforcement Administration is reportedly investigating text conversations between Panettiere and an alleged drug dealer in Los Angeles, whom she may have purchased substances from before traveling to South Carolina.

Panettiere's death has been attributed to an apparent overdose. The investigation into the circumstances surrounding her death is ongoing.