Show summary Hide summary
- Brief exchange captured near Greenville gas station
- What authorities have said about Panettiere’s death
- Timeline of key events since August
- Presence of Hickerson brothers at the scene
- Past legal issues and domestic violence history
- Statements from representatives and family responses
- Recent incidents involving the Hickerson brothers
- Where to find help for substance abuse and domestic violence
A month after the death of actress Hayden Panettiere, her former partner Brian Hickerson was filmed answering a photographer’s questions outside a Greenville gas station, offering terse replies as investigators continue probing the circumstances of her passing.
Brief exchange captured near Greenville gas station
On September 16, video shows 36-year-old Brian Hickerson confronted by media outside a South Carolina gas station.
Thinning hair: top dermatologist-recommended hair growth supplement brand on major sale
Jake Luppen confirms brain tumor: will undergo 6-hour open brain surgery
- The interaction was short and guarded.
- When asked about his well-being, Hickerson returned a pointed, deflecting response.
- He accepted condolences, then declined further comment.
The footage circulated after weeks of intense public scrutiny following Panettiere’s death on August 16. The mood in the clip reflected heightened tensions and unanswered questions.
What authorities have said about Panettiere’s death
Greenville investigators reported no obvious signs of trauma at the scene where Panettiere was found. Still, officials have not declared a cause of death.
The Greenville County Coroner’s Office has indicated the case remains open while toxicology tests are completed. The coroner’s office told local media it would issue an official release when results are ready.
Meanwhile, some outlets have published unverified accounts suggesting a single oxycodone pill laced with fentanyl may be involved. Those reports remain unconfirmed by law enforcement or the coroner.
Timeline of key events since August
- August 16 — Hayden Panettiere was found dead in a Greenville residence.
- August 20 — Brian Hickerson’s attorney urged patience and said authorities found no signs of foul play.
- Early September — Toxicology testing continued; no public cause of death announced.
- September 12 — Brian and his brother, Zach, were reportedly involved in an altercation at a local bar.
- September 13–16 — Zach was released on bond after a disorderly conduct arrest; Brian briefly detained but not charged at the bar incident.
Presence of Hickerson brothers at the scene
Police records indicate both Brian and his brother, Zach Hickerson, were at the residence on the day Panettiere was found. That detail has fueled media attention and public debate.
Investigators continue to examine witness statements and forensic findings. No official confirmation ties either man to a specific cause of death.
Past legal issues and domestic violence history
Hayden Panettiere wrote candidly about a turbulent relationship in her memoir, released shortly before her death. That account has resurfaced in coverage of the current investigation.
Wyoming incident and court outcome
- In 2020, a domestic violence incident in Wyoming led to criminal charges involving Brian.
- He later pleaded no contest and received a sentence that included:
- 45 days in county jail
- Four years of formal probation
- 52 domestic violence classes
- $500 in restitution
- A five-year protective order
Those court-ordered penalties remain part of public records and have shaped public perception of the relationship.
Statements from representatives and family responses
Hayden’s spokesperson reiterated that the death is under investigation and called recent unnamed reports “unverified.” The representative urged patience until toxicology and official findings are complete.
Brian initially released a statement through his lawyer that emphasized cooperation with the investigation and declined further comment out of respect for Panettiere’s loved ones.
Recent incidents involving the Hickerson brothers
Authorities say Brian was briefly detained after an alleged bar incident where a barstool was reportedly thrown. Zach was arrested for disorderly conduct in the same episode.
Media outlets reported the conflict started after other patrons allegedly heckled the brothers about Panettiere’s death. Zach later spoke to the press after posting bond and criticized what he called rumor-driven attacks.
A Greenville police spokesperson confirmed Brian was released at the scene without charges related to that bar encounter.
Where to find help for substance abuse and domestic violence
If you or someone you know is struggling with addiction, contact the SAMHSA National Helpline at 1‑800‑662‑HELP (4357).
For confidential support related to domestic violence, call the National Domestic Violence Hotline at 1‑800‑799‑7233.
