Brian Hickerson, the on-off boyfriend of the late Hayden Panettiere, has reportedly been cooperating with federal law enforcement as part of the ongoing investigation into the actress' suspected overdose death. A source told TMZ that Hickerson has met with the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA).
Both local and federal investigators believe that drugs may have contributed to Panettiere's death, and authorities are reportedly focusing on identifying the individual who may have supplied them. Investigators are described as "zeroing in" on a potential drug dealer.
Panettiere, known for her role in "Heroes," was found dead on August 16 at a residence in Greenville, South Carolina. She was 36 years old. At this time, toxicology results are pending to determine the official cause of death. No arrests have been made in connection with the case.
The actress had a public struggle with alcohol and opiates, including an eight-month stint in rehab in 2020. In her memoir, she detailed a doctor's warning that she had five years to live if she did not stop drinking.
Hickerson was present at the condo when Panettiere was pronounced dead. According to a police report, he handed authorities a "bag of medication" she had been taking. An autopsy reportedly found no signs of trauma that would have contributed to her death.
Hickerson has a history of domestic violence allegations, including charges for injuring Panettiere in 2021, for which he served 13 days in custody.
Panettiere had voluntarily relinquished custody of her 11-year-old daughter, Kaya, in 2018 to focus on her recovery. Kaya is now in the care of her father, Ukrainian boxer Wladimir Klitschko, with whom Panettiere maintained an amicable co-parenting relationship.
Reports from 2019 also surfaced of Panettiere being romantically linked to Hickerson's brother, Zach, a pastor. Witnesses described them as appearing to be a couple during a walk in New York City that September.