Actress Hayden Panettiere's tumultuous relationship with Brian Hickerson has drawn renewed attention in the wake of her recent death. Panettiere and Hickerson, who dated on and off between 2018 and 2022, were reportedly among the last people to see her alive, having flown from Los Angeles to South Carolina together the day before her passing.
Hickerson, who pursued careers in acting and real estate, is originally from South Carolina. He graduated from the University of South Carolina in 2011. His professional history includes roles in sales and recruiting before taking on a position as an executive assistant for a confidential client, managing household staff and providing security. His acting credits include a role in the drama "M.F.A."
Sources indicated their relationship began after they met at a West Hollywood bar in August 2018, shortly after Panettiere's reported split from her longtime partner Wladimir Klitschko. Initially, their relationship appeared strong, with reports of them having fun and "getting serious." However, by November 2018, concerns were voiced by friends who described the situation as "not a healthy situation."
The relationship became increasingly marred by legal issues. In May 2019, Hickerson was arrested for domestic violence following an altercation during which police observed "redness and marks" on Panettiere's body. He was arrested again in February 2020 in Jackson, Wyoming, accused of punching Panettiere. While he pleaded not guilty to one count of domestic battery, the outcome of that specific arrest remains unclear.
In April 2021, Hickerson was sentenced to 45 days in jail after pleading no contest to felony charges of "injuring a spouse or girlfriend." This plea stemmed from a series of incidents between May 2019 and January 2020. He ultimately served 13 days and was given four years of probation, with an order to stay away from Panettiere for five years. Hickerson later expressed regret, citing drugs and alcohol as contributing factors.
Despite the legal troubles and probation terms, Panettiere and Hickerson were seen together multiple times after his sentencing. They were spotted at a Los Angeles bar in July 2021, and in April 2023, he was reportedly present when Panettiere was interviewed at her home. Panettiere stated in an interview that they had reconnected after both became sober, acknowledging lingering feelings.
In March of the current year, the pair were seen together at an airport, though Panettiere's representative denied they were romantically involved, stating they remained friends. Panettiere's memoir, "This Is Me: A Reckoning," released shortly before her death, detailed allegations of abuse she endured, describing physical altercations and emotional distress.
Hickerson, in interviews prior to Panettiere's death, admitted to "abusing her" and spoke about his struggles with alcohol, mentioning his enrollment in Alcoholics Anonymous. He described Panettiere as a "good buddy" but also expressed hope for a future marriage. He acknowledged the seriousness of his actions, stating, "You never lay hands on a woman, bottom line."
Panettiere, who passed away at 36, began her acting career as a child, with notable roles in "Remember the Titans," "Heroes," and "Nashville." Her film credits also include appearances in the "Scream" franchise. Detectives confirmed they responded to a 911 call from an acquaintance at an apartment in Greenville, South Carolina. Preliminary investigations have not indicated foul play in her death.