Hayden Panettiere's Boyfriend Breaks Silence on Actress's Death

Brian Hickerson, the on-again, off-again boyfriend of the late actress Hayden Panettiere, has publicly addressed her death for the first time.

When approached by a photographer at a gas station in Greenville, South Carolina, and asked how he was coping, Hickerson, 37, responded, "How do you think I'm doing?" He added, "Appreciate it – that's all I got for you, man." The exchange occurred about a month after Panettiere's death at age 36 on August 16 in Greenville. Authorities have stated her death is under investigation as a suspected drug overdose.

Hickerson's attorney, Sloan Ellis, previously stated on August 20 that "Hayden's death remains under investigation and it is important to allow that investigation to proceed." Ellis added, "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."

Recent events have seen Hickerson involved in legal altercations. On Saturday, he was detained by police at the Wild Wing Cafe in Greenville following an incident where sources told TMZ that he and his brother clashed with other patrons after being heckled about Panettiere's death. Video from the incident showed Hickerson throwing a barstool, and he was heard shouting, "GPD leaked it when my girlfriend died." His brother, Zach, was taken into custody for disorderly conduct.

The following day, while picking up his brother from jail, Hickerson was involved in a motorcycle accident. Both he and Zach were on the motorcycle, and Zach was later seen limping and speaking with the other motorist involved.

A source close to Hickerson told The Daily Mail this week that he is "not dealing with things well" and is "all kinds of f***ed up right now."

A representative for Panettiere confirmed on Wednesday that the investigation into her passing is ongoing, addressing reports that she had fatally consumed an oxycodone pill laced with fentanyl. The representative stated, "As reported yesterday by the Greenville County Coroner's Office, Hayden's death remains under investigation pending the completion of toxicology results, despite reports from some outlets stating otherwise."

The statement continued, "Recent reports attributed to unnamed sources are unverified hearsay and have contributed to conflicting information that continues to circulate." The representative urged patience, stating, "While we are all eager to find closure and better understand the circumstances surrounding her passing, we must remain patient and allow the investigative process to unfold."

Earlier in the week, insiders told TMZ that DEA agents searched Panettiere's Los Angeles residence on August 25, seeking evidence related to the source of the narcotics. Sources indicated that Panettiere had a long-time drug dealer in Los Angeles from whom she illegally obtained narcotics, including oxycodone. Officials suspect she consumed a single oxycodone pill containing fentanyl on the day she died, after having taken multiple drugs purchased in Los Angeles the day before traveling to South Carolina. First responders at the Greenville condo where she was found attempted resuscitation before she was pronounced dead. Authorities noted in a report that Hickerson had provided them with a "bag of medication" belonging to Panettiere.