Brother reveals details on how Hayden Panettiere's body was found
Zach Hickerson, brother of actress Hayden Panettiere's partner, sheds light on the hours leading up to her death at age 36, reinforcing reports that it was caused by an overdose.
The mystery surrounding the death of Hayden Panettiere continues: nearly a week after the 36-year-old actress passed away, Zach Hickerson — brother of her on-again, off-again partner Brian Hickerson — has revealed new details about the final hours of the 'Heroes', 'Nashville', and 'Scream' star. Meanwhile, People magazine reported over the weekend that the US Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) is involved in the investigation into her death, which is suspected to be the result of an overdose.
In a statement provided to TMZ on Friday, Zach Hickerson explained that he discovered Panettiere unconscious last Sunday at the Airbnb apartment she and his brother had rented in Greenville, South Carolina. The relationship between the actress and Brian Hickerson had resumed following his previous conviction for violent crimes against her. Following her death, the British Daily Mail reported that Panettiere may have been in a romantic relationship with Zach while Brian was serving his prison sentence for those same crimes.
Greenville authorities confirmed that both brothers were present when Panettiere was pronounced dead and noted that Brian provided them with the medications the actress had been taking. Zach stated that he arrived at the property after the couple failed to respond to his calls and messages.
'Lacking the access code, I knocked hard on the door and woke up Brian. When we entered and tried to wake Hayden, we realized she was unconscious. I immediately called emergency services, and Brian administered Narcan,' Hickerson recalled.
His testimony regarding the presence of Narcan — a nasal spray containing naloxone used to reverse opioid overdoses — confirms earlier reports. The availability of the substance at the scene reinforces concerns that Panettiere, her partner, or both were struggling with substance abuse.
'We tried together to perform CPR before the paramedics arrived, but they were unable to save Hayden's life,' Hickerson continued. — 'I am heartbroken and devastated by this tragic loss. Hayden was one of the dearest friends to my heart; I loved and cared for her for the last eight years.'
