Zach Hickerson, the brother of Hayden Panettiere's boyfriend Brian Hickerson, has provided an account of the events that transpired inside the Airbnb where the actress was found unresponsive on August 16. In a statement to TMZ, Zach Hickerson sought to clarify his involvement and counter what he described as misinformation and sensationalism surrounding Panettiere's death.
According to Zach Hickerson, he woke up at the Airbnb on Sunday morning, attended church, and exchanged messages with his brother, Brian, planning to have lunch and play indoor golf afterward. Upon returning from church, he was unable to reach either Brian or Hayden. Assuming they might still be asleep, he went to the Airbnb. Although he knew the building code, he did not have the code for the Airbnb unit itself.
He knocked loudly, waking Brian, who was taking a nap with Panettiere on a pullout couch in the living room. When they attempted to wake Panettiere for lunch, they discovered she was unconscious. Zach Hickerson stated he immediately called 911, while Brian administered Narcan. Together, they performed CPR with 911 on speakerphone until emergency medical services arrived. "We then jointly performed CPR while 911 was on the speaker until Fire and EMS arrived," Zach Hickerson said. "At that point, we watched as they tried every measure possible to save her life."
He expressed his devastation over the loss, describing Panettiere as a close friend of eight years. He urged an end to speculation until the official investigation concludes.
Brian Hickerson, through his lawyer, offered a brief statement to Fox News Digital, emphasizing that the investigation into Panettiere's death is ongoing and that police have confirmed 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," the statement read.
These statements come after Panettiere's mother, Lesley Vogel, publicly questioned Brian Hickerson's influence on her daughter's life and death. Vogel told Entertainment Tonight that a "toxic individual" she believed led to her daughter's death was involved. She also shared with NBC News that Brian Hickerson was with her daughter at the time of her death.
The police report obtained by Fox News Digital indicates that Brian Hickerson was present at the residence where Panettiere was found. The couple's past relationship had included domestic violence charges against Brian Hickerson, for which he was convicted.
The report also noted that Zach Hickerson appeared emotional as paramedics attempted to revive Panettiere, while Brian Hickerson did not show emotion until she was declared deceased. The Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) has been brought in to assist with the investigation, a development that Vogel told ET suggests lingering questions about the circumstances of her daughter's death.
Panettiere's former fiancé and the father of their daughter, Wladimir Klitschko, shared a tribute on Instagram, thanking fans and friends for their support and encouraging kindness and love.