The brother of Brian Hickerson, the on-off boyfriend of actress Hayden Panettiere, stated Friday that Hickerson administered Narcan—a medication used to reverse opioid overdoses—after Panettiere was found unconscious at a South Carolina Airbnb where they were staying.
Zach Hickerson, Brian’s brother, told TMZ that the pair performed CPR on Panettiere before administering the dose of Narcan. Panettiere was later pronounced dead at a local hospital, with authorities citing an apparent overdose as the cause of death.
The revelation comes amid heightened scrutiny of Hickerson’s role in Panettiere’s life, including reports from neighbors and family members alleging concerning behavior. Mia Terrazas, a former West Hollywood neighbor, told Inside Edition Wednesday that she had been "terrified" of Hickerson and that the apartment complex had posted warnings for residents to call police if they encountered him. Panettiere’s mother, Lesley Vogel, also publicly pointed blame toward Hickerson in remarks made Thursday.
In a statement to TMZ, Zach Hickerson emphasized that the focus should remain on Panettiere’s legacy rather than speculation. "The truth will come out as the authorities complete and release additional details from the investigation," he said. "And that is important because the people who loved and adored Hayden deserve the truth."
Background and Prior Legal Action
Panettiere, 36, had previously sought legal protection from Hickerson in 2020, filing a protective order in Wyoming and later in California. Court documents obtained by the Daily Mail detailed allegations of physical abuse, including claims that Hickerson had pulled her hair, thrown objects at her face, and struck her during an incident in February 2020. That same month, Hickerson was arrested for domestic battery following a police response to a domestic dispute at an Airbnb where the couple was staying. He pleaded not guilty to the charge in April 2020.
The protective order petition described escalating abuse, particularly when alcohol was involved, and noted incidents such as Hickerson dumping water on Panettiere while she was in bed. Panettiere’s mother, Lesley Vogel, has publicly stated that she holds Hickerson responsible for her daughter’s death.
Ongoing Investigation
Authorities have not yet released a final determination regarding the cause of Panettiere’s death, which remains under investigation. The Greenville County Coroner’s Office has not confirmed whether toxicology results or other findings have been finalized. The investigation is ongoing, and no further details have been made public.
Hickerson has not publicly commented beyond the statements made by his brother. The Hickerson family has requested privacy for their grieving process, urging the public to focus on Panettiere’s life and contributions to entertainment.