Police in California have visited the home of Hayden Panettiere's on-off boyfriend Brian Hickerson as part of their investigations into the star's death. Sources claim officers are probing any possible criminal conduct they can find as they try to piece together what happened to the actress.
Police Visit Hickerson's Home
Two uniformed police officers were seen visiting Hickerson at his family home in Greenville, South Carolina, just miles away from the scene of Hayden's death. According to TMZ, one police officer was seen going up to the front door of the property, while another walked along the driveway. It is currently unknown why the police were scoping the house out, or whether they spoke to Hickerson or his family.
The announcement of Hayden's death on Sunday (August 16) shocked the world as tributes poured in for the Scream star. At the age of 36, her death followed a troubled life, filled with alcohol dependency and postpartum depression. Police are now looking into what happened with Hayden in the final days of her death. Despite ruling there was no foul play in her passing, they are now looking into any potential criminal actions from those around her.
Investigation Into Death
One officer told TMZ the probe began due to the "unexpected" nature of her passing. As part of their investigations, police are looking to work out whether there was a criminal element that could have led to her death. Former Neutrogena brand ambassador Hayden was believed to be with Hickerson when she died of a suspected overdose. She was discovered unconscious at an apartment in Greenville by Hickerson's brother Zach, while Hickerson allegedly slept in another room.
Paramedics were quickly called to the scene, with neighbours reporting "chaos" outside the corridor. However, she was ultimately declared dead at around 2pm local time. Hayden's relationship with Hickerson was reported to be increasingly volatile during the three years they were together from 2018 to 2020. Hickerson was later arrested and jailed for domestic abuse charges against her.
Mother's Reaction
As officers continue their investigations, Hayden's mother Lesley Vogel hit out against Hickerson after the pair recently reconnected. Lesley told NBC News on Tuesday (August 18), saying: "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."
