Hayden Panettiere's ex-boyfriend breaks silence on Heroes star's death
A warning poster with Brian Hickerson’s face was put outside Hayden Panettiere’s home (Picture: Shutterstock) Hayden Panettiere’s ex-boyfriend Brian Hickerson, who became emotional as paramedics battled to save her life, has released a statement. The 36-year-old actress, who was best known for her roles in Heroes and Nashville, died from a suspected overdose on August 16.
First responders tried to save her and Brian reportedly became visibly emotional as their efforts came to an end. After reports that he had been told to stay away from the Los Angeles property, Brian’s attorney Sloan Ellis told TMZ: ‘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.’ It has been revealed that towards the end of August 2025 a warning poster featuring Hickerson’s face was allegedly put up outside her West Hollywood home following complaints about his behaviour.
The flyer was reportedly posted by the homeowners association (HOA) at The Hancock Condominiums, according to TMZ. Featuring two photographs of Hickerson, a message read: ‘Please do not grant him access to the building. If he is seen anywhere on this property, please call 911 immediately and report that he is trespassing on the premises.’
Mia Terrazas, who lived one door away from Panettiere, told the publication that the poster was taken down around a week after it was put up and said she was told Hickerson was no longer considered a threat. To view this video please enable JavaScript, and consider upgrading to a web browser that supports HTML5
video Up Next Previous Page Next Page Panettiere’s on-and-off boyfriend Hickerson was asleep in the bedroom when she was found (Picture: gotpap/Bauer-Griffin/GC Images) Terrazas also alleged that it came after years of disturbances involving Hickerson. She claimed she had been ‘terrified’ of him during the time he lived with Panettiere and had called 911 at least six times due to disturbances at her home, Inside Edition reports.
This comes after it was revealed that the Greenville PD and the DEA (Drug Enforcement Agency) are investigating Panettiere’s death. Hickerson has a history of domestic violence allegations involving Panettiere. In 2020, he was arrested after being accused of assaulting the actress. He later pleaded no contest to two counts of injuring a spouse or girlfriend and was sentenced to 45 days in jail.
Panettiere and Hickerson subsequently split, although they appeared to remain in each other’s lives on and off at various points. Actress Panettiere died aged 36 (Picture: Dimitrios Kambouris/Getty Images) To view this video please enable JavaScript, and consider upgrading to a web browser that
supports HTML5 video Up Next Previous Page Next Page The toxicology results of the autopsy are still pending but emergency services were called out to the house for a woman in cardiac arrest. According to reports, opioid medication was found at the apartment where Panettiere died. TMZ reported that Narcan – a brand of Naloxone – was present in the apartment, which is a nasal spray that can be administered to counteract the effects of an opioid overdose.
Panettiere’s mother, Lesley Vogel, has also spoken publicly about the investigation. Vogel told NBC News that the family had been trying to ‘get rid’ of Hickerson. ‘This person in her life that we have been trying to get rid of for quite some time was with her at her death and that was Brian Hickerson,’ she said.
Her mum continued: ‘I think Hayden was an amazingly talented person in so many departments and I think young people who grow up in the entertainment industry — it is a struggle and it’s a very challenging industry and it’s not unusual for them to sadly find the wrong path.’ Hickerson’s representative has been approached for comment.