Counsel for Hayden Panettiere’s boyfriend, Brian Hickerson, releases statement during Greenville death investigation
GREENVILLE, S.C. (FOX Carolina) - Legal counsel for actress Hayden Panettiere’s boyfriend, Brian Hickerson, has released a statement during the Greenville investigation into her death.
Officials said first responders were called to the Judson Mill Lofts, located at 701 Easley Bridge Road, around 1:58 p.m. on Aug. 16 following a report of an unresponsive female. Medical assistance and CPR were administered at the scene by firefighters and Medic 24, but Panettiere was pronounced dead at 2:31 p.m. She was 36.
Officials with the Greenville County Coroner’s Office completed an autopsy Monday morning. Coroner Mike Ellis confirmed Panettiere had no visible injuries or trauma, and preliminary findings have not indicated any signs of foul play or suspicious circumstances. An official cause and manner of death are currently pending further toxicology and testing.
On Wednesday, the coroner said Panettiere’s body was released and moved to a mortuary.
Brian Hickerson’s Counsel’s Statement
City officials said officers were called to Brian Hickerson’s family’s home in Greenville on Wednesday morning to conduct a welfare check that was unrelated to the death investigation.
Brian Hickerson’s counsel gave the following statement on Thursday regarding Panettiere’s death:
“Hayden’s death remains under investigation and it is important to allow that investigation to proceed. As has been publicly reported, police confirmed there were no signs of foul play.
Out of respect for Hayden’s loved ones and the ongoing investigation, there will be no further comment at this time."
Ellis Hinton, Brian Hickerson's counsel
Incident Report Details
According to the Greenville Police Department’s redacted incident report, officers arrived at the scene on Sunday to assist EMS and observed multiple first responders performing life-saving measures.
The responding officer spoke with two men at the apartment, identified as Panettiere’s boyfriend, Brian Hickerson, 37, and his brother, Zach Hickerson. Both men were in the apartment and called 911 after finding Panettiere unresponsive.
The incident report notes that Zach Hickerson appeared “very emotional” while first responders worked on Panettiere, while Brian Hickerson did not become emotional until after she was officially declared deceased. Brian Hickerson showed officers a bag of medication Panettiere had been taking.
Detectives with the Violent Crimes Unit and the Coroner’s Office are actively investigating the death. A search warrant was executed at the apartment, and the courtesy officer at Judson Mills advised police that CCTV footage is available showing all three individuals arriving and leaving the property.
911 Call
In Greenville 911 dispatch audio surrounding Panettiere’s death, responders can be heard discussing a possible “overdose” and noting that “CPR is in progress.”
Local Shock and Remembrance
The sudden passing of the star has sent shockwaves through the local Greenville community. For many Upstate residents, learning that the famous actress passed away in their hometown was highly unexpected.
“I was just checking social media and I seen that Hayden passed away,” said one local resident walking near the lofts Monday morning. “I was just, like, scrolling different sites and it’s just going crazy. And I’m, like, in Greenville. And so that was super shocking. I just remember always wanting to be a cheerleader after I seen the Bring It On movie. So it was, it’s really sad to know that she passed away in my own hometown.”
A memorial for the actress was set up outside of Judson Mill Lofts.
Judson Mill Lofts gave the following statement after her passing:
Search for Answers
Previously, the actress shared that she struggled with alcohol, opioids, and postpartum depression. Her struggles were a focal point in her recently released memoir, This Is Me: A Reckoning.
Though the reason for Panettiere’s presence in Greenville is unknown at this time, her “Nashville” co-star Charles Esten performed a leg of his Carolina Tour at The Foundry at Judson Mill on Friday night, a venue sharing the same address as the Judson Mill Lofts where she was found. Police have not confirmed if his performance was the reason for her presence in town.
Greenville Police are continuing to investigate along with the Greenville County Coroner’s Office.
Stay with FOX Carolina as we work to learn more.
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