Brian Hickerson, the ex-boyfriend of actress Hayden Panettiere, called 911 after finding her unresponsive at a South Carolina apartment on Aug. 16, according to a police report. Hickerson, who has a history of domestic violence charges and a conviction related to Panettiere, was among those at the residence when the actress was discovered.
Authorities spoke with both Hickerson and his brother, Zach, who also called 911. According to the report, Zach Hickerson appeared emotional as paramedics attempted to revive Panettiere, while Brian Hickerson did not show emotion until she was declared deceased. Officers were also reportedly handed a bag of medication Panettiere had been taking by Brian Hickerson.
Hickerson and Panettiere, who was 36 at the time of her death, had an on-again, off-again relationship that began around 2018. Their relationship had previously led to legal troubles, including domestic violence charges against Hickerson. In 2021, he pleaded no contest to two felony charges connected to incidents involving Panettiere, with other charges dismissed as part of the plea agreement.
Panettiere had publicly spoken about her experiences in abusive relationships, stating her hope that sharing her story would help others. "I am coming forward with the truth about what happened to me with the hope that my story will empower others in abusive relationships to get the help they need and deserve," she said in a statement at the time, according to People magazine. "I am prepared to do my part to make sure this man never hurts anyone again."
Three days before Panettiere's death, Hickerson was involved in legal proceedings in Los Angeles concerning efforts to have his felony charges reduced. A spokesperson for the Los Angeles County District Attorney's Office confirmed that the prosecution objected to the defense's motion, and the court denied both requests. Hickerson had previously attempted to have the charges reduced in July 2025.
Hickerson reportedly traveled with Panettiere from Los Angeles to Greenville, South Carolina, the day before she was found unresponsive at an apartment complex. The couple had reportedly broken up briefly in 2022 but rekindled their relationship the following year. The exact status of their relationship at the time of Panettiere's death is unclear.