Actress Hayden Panettiere was found unresponsive at a Greenville, South Carolina residence on August 16, 2024, and pronounced dead at the scene after emergency responders attempted advanced cardiac life support, according to local police. Authorities reported no signs of foul play in her death, though the circumstances surrounding her final hours remain under review.
Brian Hickerson, Panettiere’s ex-boyfriend, was present at the residence shortly before her death. Hickerson and Panettiere traveled together from Los Angeles to South Carolina the day prior to the incident, according to reports. Police have not indicated any suspicion toward Hickerson but are examining the timeline of events leading to her death.
Immediate Response and Official Statements
Greenville County deputies responded to a call at Judson Mill Lofts at 1:51 p.m. on August 16, where Panettiere was pronounced dead. A police spokesperson confirmed that investigators were reviewing security footage, witness statements, and other evidence as part of a routine inquiry. "There are no signs of foul play at this time," the spokesperson stated. The South Carolina Law Enforcement Division has not been formally involved, and the case remains under local jurisdiction.
Hickerson, who has a history of domestic violence allegations involving Panettiere, was not detained or questioned in connection with her death. Authorities have not disclosed whether he provided a statement or cooperated with the investigation.
Background: A Volatile Relationship
Panettiere and Hickerson began their relationship in 2018 after her separation from Ukrainian boxer Wladimir Klitschko, with whom she shares a daughter. Their partnership was marked by periods of reconciliation and conflict, including multiple arrests of Hickerson on domestic violence charges.
In May 2019, Hickerson was arrested on felony domestic violence charges after police observed "redness and marks" on Panettiere’s body. The case was dismissed when prosecutors could not secure a key witness. He was arrested again in 2020 following an alleged altercation where he punched Panettiere in the face, resulting in a 45-day jail sentence. In May 2022, a physical altercation between the pair at the Sunset Marquis hotel in Los Angeles led to Hickerson’s arrest after a bystander intervened.
Hickerson publicly acknowledged his abuse of Panettiere in an earlier statement, saying, "I got arrested for abusing her… you never lay hands on a woman. Bottom line." Their relationship spanned intermittent periods of cohabitation and separation through 2026, according to records.
Timeline of Key Events
- 2018: Panettiere and Hickerson begin dating shortly after her separation from Klitschko.
- May 2019: Hickerson arrested on felony domestic violence charges; case dismissed.
- 2020: Hickerson sentenced to 45 days in jail after punching Panettiere.
- May 2022: Altercation at Sunset Marquis hotel; Hickerson arrested.
- August 15, 2024: Panettiere and Hickerson travel from Los Angeles to South Carolina.
- August 16, 2024: Panettiere found unresponsive and pronounced dead; no foul play suspected.