Key Highlights
- Brian Hickerson, boyfriend of the late Hayden Panettiere, and his brother Zach were excluded from the actress’s September 19 memorial service in Malibu, alongside Panettiere’s mother Lesley Vogel.
- Panettiere, 36, was found dead on August 16 at an Airbnb in Greenville, South Carolina; police reported no signs of foul play, but the investigation remains ongoing.
- Hickerson, who had a prior 2020 domestic violence arrest, released a statement through his attorney declining further comment out of respect for the family and the active investigation.
Memorial Excludes Boyfriend and Estranged Mother
A celebration of life for actress Hayden Panettiere was held in Malibu on Saturday, September 19, drawing approximately 150 guests that included her father, Skip Panettiere, and numerous celebrity friends. Notably absent from the guest list were Brian Hickerson, Panettiere’s on-again, off-again boyfriend since 2018, and his brother Zach, according to reports from TMZ. Panettiere’s mother, Lesley Vogel, was also not invited, reflecting a reported years-long estrangement between the two. The private service took place just over a month after the 36-year-old Heroes star was discovered deceased while staying at a rental property in Greenville, South Carolina.
Details Emerge from the Scene in Greenville
First responders located Hickerson and his brother Zach, described in a police report obtained by NBC as “very emotional,” at the Airbnb where Panettiere was pronounced dead on August 16. The report indicates Hickerson became visibly distraught upon the pronouncement and subsequently showed officers a “bag of medication” he stated Panettiere had been taking. The brothers had been staying at the property with the actress at the time of her passing. An official investigation into the cause of death is continuing, though authorities have publicly confirmed there were no immediate indications of foul play.
Hickerson Issues Statement Via Legal Counsel
In the immediate aftermath, Hickerson, 37, released a formal statement through his attorney, Sloan Ellis, signaling his intent to remain silent on the matter pending the investigation’s conclusion. 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.” The decision to bar Hickerson and his brother from the memorial comes amid renewed scrutiny of the couple’s turbulent history, which included a 2020 arrest of Hickerson on suspicion of domestic violence that reportedly led to a temporary end to their relationship.
Mother Speaks of Grief and Estrangement
Lesley Vogel, who also lost her son Jansen in 2023, broke her silence following her daughter’s death in an interview with ABC News, describing a paralyzing grief. “I was numb. I was just numb. I still am not grasping this is real. It just doesn’t, it doesn’t feel real,” she said. “My mind tells me it’s not at times. You know, it’s going to be a process.” Vogel emphasized her desire for her daughter’s legacy, stating: “I want Hayden to be remembered for the talented, you know, beautiful, outgoing, intelligent woman she really was.” Panettiere is survived by her 11-year-old daughter, Kaya, whom she shared with former partner, heavyweight boxing champion Wladimir Klitschko.
Why This Matters
The circumstances surrounding Panettiere’s death and the subsequent exclusion of key figures from her memorial underscore the complex dynamics often present in high-profile families grappling with sudden loss. The ongoing police investigation will ultimately determine the official cause of death, but the public nature of the guest list decisions highlights deep fractures within Panettiere’s inner circle—specifically the reported wariness of her family and friends toward Hickerson following his prior legal troubles. For the entertainment industry, the loss marks the passing of a performer who grew up on screen, from child roles in Remember the Titans to her breakthrough as Claire Bennet in Heroes and Juliette Barnes in Nashville. The focus now shifts to the welfare of her young daughter and the resolution of the official inquiry.
Frequently Asked Questions
When and where did Hayden Panettiere die?
Hayden Panettiere was found dead on August 16 at an Airbnb rental in Greenville, South Carolina, where she had been staying with her boyfriend Brian Hickerson and his brother Zach.
Why were Brian Hickerson and his brother banned from the memorial?
While the source does not state an explicit reason provided by the family, the exclusion follows a history of concern from Panettiere’s circle regarding Hickerson, particularly stemming from his 2020 arrest on suspicion of domestic violence, which allegedly caused a temporary split in their relationship.
What is the status of the investigation into her death?
The investigation is ongoing. Police have confirmed there were no signs of foul play at the scene, but the official cause and manner of death have not yet been publicly released pending further forensic and toxicology results.
