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- Who arrived with Panettiere at Judson Mill Lofts
- What emergency crews encountered on arrival
- Items and evidence noted by police
- Dispatch audio and preliminary medical details
- Background on Panettiere and Brian Hickerson’s relationship
- What officials are still determining
- Support resources for substance use and crises
Police records show Brian and Zach Hickerson were present when Hayden Panettiere suffered cardiac arrest at a South Carolina apartment complex, a new report confirms. The brothers’ reactions and items found at the scene are now part of an ongoing investigation into the actress’s sudden death.
Who arrived with Panettiere at Judson Mill Lofts
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Officers responding to the Judson Mill Lofts were met by the Hickerson brothers after emergency crews began lifesaving efforts.
- Zach Hickerson was described by an officer as “very emotional” while paramedics worked on Panettiere.
- Brian Hickerson reportedly remained composed until the time of death was declared.
- Zach reportedly referred to Panettiere as his “brother’s girlfriend.”
The police report provided to the media was heavily redacted. It notes Brian flew from Los Angeles to South Carolina with Panettiere the day before she collapsed.
What emergency crews encountered on arrival
Responding officers found multiple EMS personnel and firefighters performing CPR on an unresponsive woman.
- The patient showed no obvious signs of trauma at the scene.
- EMS conducted sustained resuscitation attempts before announcing a time of death.
- An officer noted his body-worn camera was active while he spoke with the brothers.
Items and evidence noted by police
Police recorded several pieces of potential evidence at the apartment.
- Brian handed officers a bag of medication that Panettiere had been taking. The medication names were redacted from the report.
- Responders and media later reported Narcan was found at the scene.
- The building’s courtesy officer said there is CCTV footage showing Panettiere and the Hickersons entering and leaving the property.
Dispatch audio and preliminary medical details
911 recordings released earlier indicated an apparent overdose prior to the official time of death at 2:32 p.m.
- Authorities have not yet released an official cause of death.
- An autopsy reportedly showed no signs of trauma, according to media reports.
- Investigators continue to review toxicology and other forensic findings.
Background on Panettiere and Brian Hickerson’s relationship
Their history provides context as investigators piece together events leading to her death.
- The couple had an on-and-off relationship marked by publicized disputes.
- Brian has previously admitted to abusing Panettiere, according to past reports.
- Friends say Panettiere had not widely discussed a renewed connection with Brian before her death.
- They were seen together at Los Angeles International Airport in March, with Panettiere on crutches.
What officials are still determining
Several lines of inquiry remain open as law enforcement and medical examiners work through the investigation.
- Forensic toxicology results are pending.
- CCTV and bodycam footage are being reviewed.
- Officials are compiling witness statements, including those from the Hickerson brothers.
Support resources for substance use and crises
If you or someone you know is affected by the issues in this story, help is available.
- Call SAMHSA’s National Helpline at 1-800-662-HELP (4357) for immediate support and treatment referrals.
