Hayden Panettiere's mother, Lesley Vogel, has publicly expressed skepticism about the circumstances surrounding her daughter's death, urging a deeper investigation into the account provided by Brian Hickerson, who was present at the time.
Vogel stated in an interview with the Daily Mail that she believes Hickerson's narrative of events on August 16 in a Greenville, South Carolina, Airbnb is "full of holes." She has pressed South Carolina law enforcement to thoroughly investigate the death of the 36-year-old actress.
The Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) has since become involved in the investigation. Vogel specifically questioned Hickerson's account of finding Panettiere unresponsive, noting the presence of Narcan, which Hickerson's brother, Zach, stated Brian administered. Vogel suggested a timeline discrepancy, proposing Brian may have left to purchase the Narcan while Panettiere was alone and potentially in distress.
"I don't know how you can take a nap near someone who's dying and not realize something's wrong. How do you do that?" Vogel asked, adding that EMTs responded to a cardiac arrest, which typically involves noise, not stillness.
Vogel also voiced her strong disagreement with public statements made by CBS's Gayle King and podcaster Megyn Kelly, who criticized Vogel's past remarks about her daughter and her parenting. Vogel described these criticisms as "shameful" and "unconscionable," particularly given her recent loss and the death of her son, Jansen, three years prior.
Hickerson, who has previously served jail time for assaulting Panettiere, had a "toxic 'codependent bond'" with the actress, according to Vogel. She asserted that this bond was "much more powerful than people realized" and that she ultimately had to cease contact with her daughter because she felt powerless to alter the destructive pattern.
Vogel defended her decision to introduce Panettiere to show business at a young age, stating her initial intention was to build a college fund. She acknowledged being a demanding mother and acting coach but denied being abusive, suggesting Panettiere placed her own pressure on herself to succeed.
Colleagues who worked with Panettiere during her childhood, including soap opera actors Beth Chamberlin and John Loprieno, told the Daily Mail that Panettiere appeared happy and comfortable on set and that Vogel created a supportive environment. Vogel stated she believes Panettiere gravitated towards Hickerson because the relationship made her feel less inadequate during difficult periods.
Brian Hickerson's attorney issued a statement noting that Panettiere's death is under investigation, that police have reported no signs of foul play, and that no further comment would be made out of respect for the loved ones and the ongoing investigation.
Vogel also addressed Panettiere's estate, noting that under California law, her 11-year-old daughter, Kaya, who lives in Ukraine, is likely to inherit the estate. Vogel praised Kaya and her father, Wladimir Klitschko, as devoted and supportive figures in the child's life. Vogel stated her commitment to navigating the investigation and settling her daughter's affairs.