Hayden Panettiere's ex-boyfriend questioned by police after actress's death

Police have visited the home of Brian Hickerson, the former boyfriend of late actress Hayden Panettiere, for a welfare check days after her passing. Authorities are examining Hickerson's presence at the scene when Panettiere experienced a medical emergency that led to her death.

According to redacted police reports, Brian Hickerson and his brother, Zach Hickerson, were at a rental property in South Carolina when Panettiere was discovered unresponsive. The actress, known for her roles in "Heroes" and "Nashville," died on Sunday, August 16, 2026, at the age of 36. Paramedics attempted resuscitation, but their efforts were unsuccessful, and she was pronounced dead.

On Wednesday, August 19, 2026, officers reportedly visited the Greenville, South Carolina, home of Betty Ellison, the grandmother of both Brian and Zach Hickerson. Initial attempts to make contact involved knocking on doors, with officers returning for further checks the following morning. Reports suggest this examination was prompted by the police learning that both brothers were present at the location when Panettiere died.

It is important to note that there are no reports indicating that Brian Hickerson has been named a suspect in connection with Panettiere's death. The police action is described as a welfare check following the circumstances of the actress's passing.