Brian Hickerson, the ex-boyfriend of actress Hayden Panettiere, was involved in a motorcycle accident with his brother, Zach Hickerson, on Sunday evening. The incident occurred around 5:30 p.m. as the two were returning home, with Zach having recently been released from jail.
According to reports, the accident happened when Hickerson's Suzuki Hayabusa collided with the back of a car. Zach Hickerson, who was a passenger on the motorcycle, was ejected from the vehicle. Photos obtained by the Daily Mail show Zach losing a shoe during the crash and later putting his sneaker back on while inspecting his hand. Brian Hickerson reportedly rode off on the motorcycle, leaving his brother at the scene.
The nature and extent of Zach Hickerson's injuries remain unclear. He was wearing a helmet at the time of the crash.
Zach Hickerson had been arrested on Saturday for disorderly conduct following an altercation with other patrons at the Wild Wing Cafe in Greenville, South Carolina. While both brothers were initially handcuffed, only Zach was booked.
Speaking to TMZ after his release from the Greenville County Detention Center, Zach Hickerson expressed frustration over the incident. He claimed that he and his brother were being heckled about Panettiere's recent death by the group they fought with. He urged the public to stop spreading rumors about the circumstances surrounding Panettiere's passing.
Panettiere died on August 16 at the age of 36. Brian Hickerson and Zach Hickerson were reportedly the ones who found her body. Reports indicated that no signs of foul play were present, and Brian's attorney noted this in a statement following the actress's death. The Drug Enforcement Administration is reportedly investigating Panettiere's death, with a focus on her alleged drug dealer. While some reports suggested her death was due to a fentanyl-laced oxycodone pill, both the coroner and Panettiere's representative have stated that the investigation is ongoing.