Hayden Panettiere Death Prompts Criminal Investigation As Police Visit Brian Hickerson Home

Aug 19, 2026

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GREENVILLE, SC. (THECOUNT) — Hayden Panettiere‘s unexpected death is now the subject of a police death investigation as authorities seek to determine whether any criminal conduct played a role in the actress’ death, according to law enforcement sources familiar with the case.

Panettiere, 36, was found unresponsive Sunday at a residence in Greenville, South Carolina. Authorities initially said there were no obvious signs of foul play, but investigators are now examining the circumstances surrounding her death while the Greenville County coroner works to establish the official cause and manner of death.

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The renewed investigation comes as authorities seek additional information from people who may have been with Panettiere or otherwise had knowledge of the circumstances leading up to her death.

According to TMZ, Greenville police went to the family home of Panettiere’s boyfriend, Brian Hickerson, Wednesday morning. Two uniformed officers were photographed outside the residence, with one approaching the front door while another walked up the driveway.

It remains unclear from the available information why investigators went to the home, whether anyone spoke with police or whether officers entered the residence.

Law enforcement sources told TMZ the investigation was prompted in part by the unexpected nature of Panettiere’s death. Investigators are working alongside the coroner’s office as they attempt to determine precisely what happened.

The actress was reportedly found in cardiac arrest Sunday afternoon after a friend called 911 at approximately 1:51 p.m. Emergency medical personnel responded and attempted to revive her using CPR and advanced cardiac life-support measures.

Panettiere was pronounced dead at approximately 2:32 p.m.

Initial reports indicated there were no obvious signs of foul play and that the circumstances did not immediately appear suspicious. Dispatch information also included a reference to a possible overdose, although an official cause of death had not been established.

The autopsy has now been completed, according to TMZ, but toxicology testing remains pending. Toxicology results can be critical in determining whether prescription medications, other substances or a combination of substances contributed to a death.

Until those results are completed and the coroner issues an official determination, the cause and manner of Panettiere’s death remain undetermined.

Hickerson’s connection to the investigation is notable because he and Panettiere had a complicated relationship over several years. The couple had previously separated and later rekindled their relationship privately.

Hickerson and his brother, Zach Hickerson, were reportedly present at the scene when Panettiere went into cardiac arrest. A police report previously cited by NBC News said Zach was highly emotional while emergency personnel treated Panettiere, while Brian showed visible emotion after she was pronounced dead. The report also said Brian showed officers a bag containing medication Panettiere was taking.

Those details do not establish wrongdoing by either brother, and authorities have not publicly accused Brian or Zach Hickerson of causing Panettiere’s death.

Panettiere became a familiar face to television and film audiences after beginning her career as a child actress. She gained widespread recognition for portraying Claire Bennet on Heroes and Juliette Barnes on Nashville, while also appearing in films including Remember the Titans, Raising Helen, Ice Princess and Scream 4.

The investigation remains active while authorities await toxicology results and continue examining the circumstances surrounding the actress’ unexpected death.

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