Palisades, NY – New details have emerged in the investigation into the death of actress and Rockland County native Hayden Panettiere, as authorities in South Carolina continue working to determine what caused the 36-year-old actress’s sudden death. Panettiere, who grew up in Palisades, was found unresponsive on Aug. 16 at a residence in Greenville, South Carolina, where she had been staying. Emergency personnel responded to the home after a 911 call at approximately 1:51 p.m. and found Panettiere in cardiac arrest. Efforts to resuscitate her were unsuccessful, and she was pronounced dead shortly after 2:30 p.m.
The Greenville County Coroner’s Office conducted an autopsy the following day. Preliminary findings showed no trauma that contributed to Panettiere’s death, and authorities have said there is currently no indication of foul play. Her official cause and manner of death remain undetermined while investigators await toxicology and other testing, which could take several weeks to complete.
A police report released following Panettiere’s death provided additional information about the circumstances surrounding the discovery of her body. Her on-and-off boyfriend, Brian Hickerson, and his brother, Zach Hickerson, were at the residence around the time she was found. According to reports based on the police investigation, Zach Hickerson discovered Panettiere unresponsive while Brian Hickerson had been asleep.
Investigators were also given a bag containing medication that Panettiere had reportedly been using. Authorities have not said whether any of the medication contributed to her death. Investigators have also sought surveillance footage from the apartment complex as they attempt to establish a timeline of Panettiere’s activities before she was found.
Police were later seen at a residence belonging to Hickerson’s family. The visit was described as a welfare check and has not been identified by authorities as evidence of criminal activity. Brian Hickerson has not been charged or publicly identified as a suspect in connection with Panettiere’s death.
Attention surrounding Hickerson has been heightened by his previous relationship with Panettiere. The two had a turbulent history that included domestic violence allegations and previous arrests involving Hickerson. Panettiere later indicated that they had reconnected and described their relationship as a friendship.
Panettiere’s mother, Lesley Vogel, has since spoken publicly about her concerns regarding her daughter’s relationship with Hickerson. Vogel said Panettiere’s family had longstanding concerns about him and had wanted him out of her life. Her comments reflect the family’s view of the relationship and do not establish that Hickerson played any role in Panettiere’s death. Authorities have continued to report that there were no signs of trauma or foul play in their preliminary investigation.
Panettiere’s body was released to her family following the autopsy. The Greenville County Coroner’s Office has indicated that toxicology testing could take approximately eight weeks, although the timeline may vary. Until those results and other investigative findings are completed, authorities have not issued a final determination regarding her cause of death.
Panettiere had deep ties to Rockland County. She grew up in Palisades and began acting as a child, eventually becoming nationally known for her roles as Claire Bennet on “Heroes” and Juliette Barnes on “Nashville.” Her film credits included “Remember the Titans,” “Scream 4” and “Scream VI.”
In her 2026 memoir, Panettiere wrote about returning to her Rockland County hometown during a difficult period in her life. She described finding a sense of rest there and feeling connected to her younger brother, actor Jansen Panettiere, through artwork displayed in their father’s home. Jansen died unexpectedly in 2023 at age 28 from complications related to an enlarged heart.
Panettiere had also spoken publicly about her struggles with alcohol and substance use and her experience with postpartum depression. Authorities have not determined whether her history of substance use was connected to her death.
The investigation remains ongoing in South Carolina. Authorities have emphasized that the final cause and manner of Panettiere’s death will depend on toxicology results and other findings that have not yet been completed.