Incident in Greenville, South Carolina
Police detained Brian Hickerson, the boyfriend of late actress Hayden Panettiere, and his brother Zach after a disturbance at a restaurant on Saturday night. A police statement provided to Newsweek confirmed the altercation.
Hayden Panettiere’s Death
Panettiere, renowned for roles in Heroes and Nashville, was found unresponsive on August 16 at a residence in Greenville. Despite lifesaving efforts from first responders, the 36-year-old was pronounced dead that afternoon. Officials reported no immediate signs of foul play, but they are investigating the cause of death.
Brian and Zach Hickerson were reportedly present at the home when Panettiere passed away.
Details of the Restaurant Altercation
Police responded to an assault report at Wild Wing Cafe around 9:10 p.m. Officers found multiple individuals involved in a fight. Among the detained were Brian and Zach Hickerson, as stated in the police press release.
Zach was reportedly intoxicated and using profane language publicly, leading to his arrest for disorderly conduct. He was taken to the Greenville County Detention Center. Brian was released at the scene without charges.
TMZ released video footage showing Zach throwing a chair in the bar, with a woman trying to intervene. He was eventually escorted out by employees. Brian, upon being handcuffed, allegedly referenced Panettiere’s death, expressing frustration about information being leaked.
Background on Brian Hickerson
Brian Hickerson works as a real estate agent in California. He began a relationship with Panettiere in 2018 after her breakup with Wladimir Klitschko. Their relationship was turbulent, involving multiple legal issues.
Hickerson was previously arrested on charges related to domestic violence and pleaded no contest to two felony counts of injuring a spouse or girlfriend in 2021. He served jail time and probation. Despite their troubled past, Panettiere mentioned they reconnected as friends.
Ongoing Investigation into Panettiere’s Death
The investigation into Panettiere’s death continues. While no foul play is initially suspected, authorities are still gathering evidence. Media reports suggest that investigators are looking into the possibility of drug involvement.
Reports indicate that a potential drug supplier is being investigated, and Brian Hickerson has been questioned. No charges, arrests, or conclusions have been made public.
Dispatch communications revealed responders dealt with a suspected overdose and cardiac arrest, but the final cause of death awaits confirmation.