A neighbor of the late actress Hayden Panettiere has reportedly stated she saw Panettiere being taken from her Los Angeles residence on a gurney on two occasions amid her relationship with Brian Hickerson. The neighbor, Mia Terrazas, told Page Six that she witnessed firefighters removing Panettiere from the West Hollywood home on July 29, 2023, and again on January 16, 2024.
Terrazas claimed that in both incidents, Panettiere sported bruises and red spots. She also stated that Hickerson was present and remained close to Panettiere during these times. Terrazas' daughter, Vileena Koneru, corroborated her mother's account to Page Six, stating she witnessed both incidents as described.
According to Terrazas, during the July 2023 incident, she spoke with Panettiere while the actress was on the gurney and asked if she was alright. Panettiere reportedly responded affirmatively. In the January 2024 incident, Koneru stated that she and her mother expressed concerns to first responders.
Terrazas also reported frequently hearing "muffled arguments" that were "very hostile" emanating from Panettiere's residence, noting that the tonality indicated a struggle. She recalled one instance where she heard Panettiere shouting at Hickerson in an elevator, saying, "Just leave me alone! Just stop!"
Hickerson has a history of domestic abuse allegations involving Panettiere. In April 2021, he pleaded no contest to two felony counts of domestic abuse after initially being charged with eight counts of domestic violence in July 2020. He received a 45-day jail sentence and was placed on probation for four years, with a court order to complete domestic violence classes. The remaining charges were dropped following his plea, and Panettiere was issued a five-year protective order, which expired earlier this year.
Terrazas mentioned that she was aware of the protective order and had contacted the Los Angeles County Sheriff's Department multiple times when she observed Hickerson at the property. She noted that he was removed on one occasion but returned the following day. Authorities reportedly informed her that they had attempted to keep Panettiere and Hickerson separated, but the couple continued to reunite.
Panettiere was found deceased on August 16 in Greenville, South Carolina. Officials stated her death was suspected to be a drug overdose. An investigation into her death is ongoing, and authorities have reported no signs of trauma or foul play at the scene. Panettiere's father confirmed her passing, stating she was "an incredible light and a force of nature."