Brian Hickerson, the on-off boyfriend of late actress Hayden Panettiere, has broken his silence for the first time since her death, speaking out through his lawyer as police continue their investigations.
Statement from Attorney
Attorney Sloan Ellis issued a statement to TMZ on Hickerson's behalf. The statement read: "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."
Circumstances of Death
Hayden Panettiere, the former Scream actress, died aged 36 on Sunday, August 16. It is believed that Narcan had been found close to her body at the time of her death, but it has not been ruled that this was the cause of her death. Police have confirmed there was no foul play involved but are now probing any possible criminal implications.
Hickerson was in the same house as Panettiere when she died. It was revealed earlier this week that he was not the person who discovered her unresponsive at their Greenville apartment, despite him staying in another room. Instead, his brother Zack found her and alerted emergency services.
History of Domestic Abuse
Hickerson had been a controversial figure in Panettiere's life, having been together from 2018 to 2020. He was later arrested, convicted and jailed for domestic abuse that occurred during their relationship.
Panettiere's mother, Lesley, spoke out on Tuesday, August 18, for the first time since her daughter's death, claiming that Hickerson had been trying to get back into her life in recent weeks. She said in a statement: "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."
She continued: "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."
Ongoing Investigation
Panettiere's death came just one week before she had been due to turn 37. There had been plans for the Neutrogena brand ambassador to visit her young daughter Kaya, but these never materialised.
Police are continuing their investigations, with a released 911 call revealing dispatchers speaking of a potential overdose. Investigations into what could have caused Panettiere's death are still ongoing.
