Police Report Reveals Details of Hayden Panettieres Death and Presence of Boyfriend Brian Hickerson

On August 16, 2026, 36‑year‑old actress Hayden Panettiere died in Greenville, South Carolina. A Greenville Police Department report released two days later confirms that the actress was found in cardiac arrest inside an apartment complex in the Judson neighborhood. First responders performed CPR, but she was pronounced dead after 2:30 p.m.

The file, obtained by E! News, notes that Panettiere’s on‑and‑off boyfriend, Brian Hickerson, was at the scene. Hickerson and his brother, Zach, called 911 shortly after 1:00 p.m. When police arrived, emergency personnel were already working on the actress. The brothers were identified by investigators as the callers.

According to the report, Hickerson did not show visible emotion until the medical team declared Panettiere dead. In contrast, Zach was described as “very emotional” during the resuscitation attempt. Hickerson later supplied investigators with a bag of medication that Panettiere was taking at the time of her death.

An autopsy was performed, but the report states that a cause of death has not yet been determined. The Greenville Police Department said there is no evidence of foul play or suspicious circumstances.

The report also provides a brief description of Hickerson’s appearance. He was wearing a beige zip‑up hoodie, a white T‑shirt, a matching baseball cap, and sunglasses when he entered the apartment. He was seated in the passenger seat of an SUV.

Panettiere, known for her roles as Claire Bennet on NBC’s Heroes, Kirby Reed in the Scream franchise, and Juliette Barnes on ABC/CMT’s Nashville, had previously said she was single and focused on her personal well‑being. In an interview with E! News two months before her death, she described her relationship status as “open to the right person” while emphasizing self‑care.

Since the release of the police report, E! News has attempted to contact Hickerson for comment. No response has been received.

The Greenville Police Department has issued no statements beyond the contents of the report. No additional information about the circumstances of Panettiere’s death has been released.

The case remains under investigation. The autopsy report is pending, and the police department has not announced any further findings.

Panettiere’s death has prompted an outpouring of condolences from fans and colleagues. The actress’s mother has publicly expressed grief, and former co‑stars have shared tributes on social media.

The Greenville Police Department’s report is the most detailed public account of the events surrounding Panettiere’s death to date. It confirms the presence of her boyfriend and his brother at the scene, the lack of evidence of foul play, and the fact that a definitive cause of death has not yet been established.

At this time, the only confirmed facts are the date and location of the death, the presence of the boyfriend and his brother, the bag of medication provided to investigators, and the lack of evidence of foul play. The cause of death remains unknown.

The investigation is ongoing, and no additional information has been released by law enforcement or the family.

The case has drawn attention to the broader issue of mental health and substance use among public figures, though no conclusions can be drawn about Panettiere’s personal health or circumstances.

The Greenville Police Department has not announced any changes to its investigation procedures. The family has not issued a statement regarding the police report.

The investigation will continue until the autopsy report is completed and any additional evidence is examined. The public will be notified of any new developments as they become available.