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Hayden Panettiere was found dead in Greenville, South Carolina, and authorities say her on-again boyfriend, Brian Hickerson, handed over a bag of medications at the scene. New details in a police report released to media paint a picture of the chaotic moments after first responders arrived.
What police say happened at the scene
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A responding officer, identified as Matthew Bryan in the report, wrote that Hickerson showed him a bag of medication found with Panettiere after she was declared dead. The list in the report names nine entries, but the actual drug names were redacted.
Who was present and how they reacted
- Brian Hickerson and his brother, Zach, were inside the Judson Mill Lofts complex where she was found.
- Zach appeared visibly distraught while emergency crews worked on Panettiere.
- Brian reportedly did not show strong emotion until after she was pronounced dead, according to the report.
The officer wore a body camera during the response, the report notes, but that footage has not been released publicly.
Emergency response and timeline
Bystanders called 911 after discovering Panettiere unresponsive at an Airbnb in Greenville at about 1:50 p.m. on Sunday. Dispatch audio obtained by outlets referred to an apparent overdose.
- Responders performed chest compressions and administered advanced cardiac life support.
- She was pronounced dead at the scene at 2:32 p.m., officials say.
- The preliminary investigation revealed no signs of foul play, a police spokesperson told media.
Travel and relationship context
Sources say Panettiere had flown from Los Angeles to South Carolina the day before her death, accompanied by Hickerson. The two have had an on-and-off relationship since 2018.
Hickerson has previously acknowledged abusive behavior toward Panettiere, and friends say she did not tell everyone she had reconnected with him shortly before she died.
Family reaction and Panettiere’s struggles
Her father, Skip Panettiere, confirmed his daughter’s death and asked for privacy as the family grieves. He described her as a bright presence who brought joy to many.
Panettiere had been open about medical and mental-health challenges. In a memoir released in May, she wrote about postpartum depression, substance issues and a traumatic birth after welcoming her daughter, Kaya, in 2014.
- She entered treatment for alcoholism and later for anxiety and other issues.
- After continued struggles, she relinquished custody of daughter Kaya to ex-fiancé Wladimir Klitschko in 2018.
- Kaya, now a child, has been living with her father in Ukraine.
Recent health issues and friends’ accounts
Friends told reporters Panettiere faced serious health problems in recent months. Her hairdresser said she struggled with severe back pain at one point and had difficulty moving her legs.
Those close to her said she appeared to be recovering in the weeks before her death.
Resources for those affected
If you or someone you know is dealing with substance use, mental health struggles, or domestic violence, help is available.
- SAMHSA’s National Helpline: 1-800-662-HELP (4357)
- National Domestic Violence Hotline: 1-800-799-SAFE (7233) or text START to 88788
