Hayden Panettiere's Neighbors Were Warned About Brian Hickerson a Year Before Her Death

Hayden Panettiere’s West Hollywood neighbors received a warning about Brian Hickerson, the actress’s on-again, off-again boyfriend, approximately one year before her death. A flyer featuring Hickerson's picture was distributed by the building's Homeowners Association in August 2025, according to TMZ.

The notice advised community members to call the police if they spotted Hickerson, describing him as an individual who had been seen trespassing in common areas and hallways. Residents were instructed not to grant him access to the building and to report him to 911 if he was observed on the premises.

According to Mia Terrazas, who lived one door away from Panettiere’s California condo, the warning was posted for about a week. Terrazas stated that at the time of the flyer's distribution, Hickerson was no longer considered a threat.

Hickerson was present when Panettiere died in South Carolina on Sunday of an apparent overdose. He has been romantically involved with the "Heroes" star since 2018. In 2021, he pleaded no contest to two felony counts of injuring a spouse or girlfriend following multiple arrests related to incidents involving Panettiere. He was sentenced to 45 days in jail, four years of probation, and ordered to complete 52 domestic violence classes. Panettiere was granted a five-year protective order against him at that time.

Despite the protective order, Terrazas claimed that Hickerson had been living in Panettiere’s condo for the past two years. The neighbor also described being "terrified" of Panettiere's partner and reported alleged disturbances to the police on several occasions.

Panettiere, in a 2022 interview with People, had spoken about her willingness to support those seeking help. "I am open to people who are willing to get help and make amends," she said. "He’s gone to treatment and done his time. And I’m trying to live in a place of forgiveness."

In May, as Panettiere was promoting her memoir "This Is Me: A Reckoning," which detailed their abusive relationship, Hickerson referred to her as a "good buddy" and "friend" in an interview with TMZ. He also expressed a hope of marrying Panettiere "one day," while acknowledging she might not share the same sentiment.

Reports indicate that Panettiere and Hickerson reconnected two weeks prior to her passing. Panettiere reportedly kept her friends uninformed about this reconnection due to feelings of shame.

The couple traveled from Los Angeles to South Carolina on Saturday. Hickerson had recently faced a legal setback in Los Angeles when a judge declined to expunge and reduce his charges to a misdemeanor. Panettiere died the following day. Zach Hickerson reportedly found her body while his brother slept in another room.

Panettiere's cause of death is currently unknown. While there are no immediate signs of foul play, the Drug Enforcement Administration has become involved in the investigation.

For those affected by domestic violence, resources include the National Domestic Violence Hotline at 1-800-799-SAFE (7233) or by texting START to 88788. For those affected by substance use issues, SAMHSA’s National Helpline is available at 1-800-662-HELP (4357).