Hayden Panettiere's Boyfriend and Brother Present at Apartment During Actress's Death

Brian Hickerson, the on-and-off boyfriend of the late actress Hayden Panettiere, was present at her apartment in Greenville, South Carolina, at the time of her death over the weekend. This significant detail emerged from a police report released by the Greenville Police Department on Tuesday, August 18, 2026. According to the report, both Brian Hickerson and his brother, Zach Hickerson, were at the residence when law enforcement officers and emergency medical services arrived on Sunday afternoon in response to a call.

A responding officer from the Greenville Police Department's report details that upon arrival at the apartment, the officer was met by the two brothers. Following this initial encounter, the officer observed paramedics actively engaged in performing cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) on an unresponsive woman. This woman was subsequently identified as Hayden Panettiere. The circumstances surrounding the tragic passing of the 36-year-old actress are currently the subject of an ongoing investigation by the authorities.

Hayden Panettiere, a prominent figure in television and film, was widely recognized for her impactful roles. Her career began at a young age, with early notable appearances in the long-running soap opera "Guiding Light" and the legal comedy-drama "Ally McBeal." She achieved widespread critical and popular acclaim for her portrayal of Claire Bennet, a high school cheerleader with superpowers, in the NBC science fiction drama "Heroes," which aired from 2006 to 2010. Panettiere further cemented her status as a television star with her role as Juliette Barnes, a country music singer, in the ABC musical drama "Nashville," which ran from 2012 to 2018. Beyond her television work, she also gained a significant following for her role as Kirby Reed in the "Scream" horror film franchise, appearing in "Scream 4" (2011) and "Scream VI" (2023). Her career showcased a consistent presence and significant contributions to popular culture across various genres. The news of her untimely death has elicited widespread expressions of grief and tributes from her former co-stars, fans, and professionals within the entertainment industry, underscoring the considerable impact she had. Further details regarding the cause of her death are anticipated as the investigation progresses.