Hayden Panettiere's mother, Lesley Vogel, has disclosed the heartbreaking ultimatum she issued to her daughter regarding her relationship with Brian Hickerson, a decision that led to their estrangement in the months preceding the actress' death.
Vogel spoke about the strained relationship in an interview, explaining that she had traveled to California to help Panettiere end her relationship with Hickerson, whom Vogel described as "toxic."
After approximately six weeks, Vogel noticed Panettiere began to distance herself, eventually returning to Florida. When Panettiere expressed a desire to be with Hickerson, Vogel stated she could not continue their relationship as long as Hickerson was a part of her daughter's life. This ultimatum, advised by her therapist, marked the beginning of their estrangement.
Vogel believed the separation would be temporary and did not anticipate her daughter's death. Panettiere was found dead in her Greenville, South Carolina, residence on August 16. According to a police report, Hickerson and his brother called 911 after discovering Panettiere unresponsive. Hickerson reportedly provided authorities with a bag containing medication the actress had been taking.
Preliminary autopsy results have not shown any signs of trauma contributing to Panettiere's death, though the investigation remains ongoing. The Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) is also involved and assisting in the investigation.
Vogel recounted that Panettiere's life began to change around age 17, with her struggles intensifying as she gained more independence. A significant turning point, according to Vogel, was Panettiere's decision to give up custody of her daughter, Kaya, to her former fiancé Wladimir Klitschko, a move Vogel believes was a catalyst for her daughter's inability to overcome her "demons."
In a separate interview, Vogel mentioned that Panettiere was experiencing chronic physical pain, describing it as a sensation of "pins and needles" in her lower extremities, which affected her ability to function. Vogel sought various treatments for her daughter, including massage and acupuncture.
Vogel hopes Panettiere will be remembered as a "talented, beautiful, outgoing, intelligent woman," while also emphasizing that her daughter was suffering internally despite her outward success. She added that external appearances do not always reflect a person's inner state.