Hayden Panettiere’s ex Brian Hickerson reportedly handed police bag of medication after her death

Hayden Panettiere’s troubled relationship with ex-boyfriend Brian Hickerson had one final, unexpected chapter on Aug. 16.

Hickerson, who had an on-again, off-again relationship with Panettiere in the years before her death at 36, was among those at the South Carolina apartment when she was found unresponsive, according to the police report.

His presence there marked a striking final chapter in a relationship that had previously led to domestic violence charges and his eventual conviction.

Hickerson and his brother had called 911 after finding Panettiere unresponsive, according to the report. Authorities spoke to both Hickerson and his brother, Zach, and executed a search warrant at the home.

Panettiere publicly addressed the allegations following Hickerson’s arrest, saying she hoped sharing her story would help others in abusive relationships.

“I am coming forward with the truth about what happened to me with the hope that my story will empower others in abusive relationships to get the help they need and deserve,” she said in a statement, according to People magazine. “I am prepared to do my part to make sure this man never hurts anyone again. I’m grateful for my support system, which helped me find the courage to regain my voice and my life.”

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Three days before Panettiere’s death, Hickerson appeared in Los Angeles court in an effort to have his felony charges reduced.

“On Aug. 13, the prosecution objected to the defense’s motion to expunge and reduce both counts,” a spokesperson for the Los Angeles County District Attorney’s Office told Fox News Digital. “The court denied both.”

Hickerson had tried to have the charges reduced once before, appearing in court on July 18, 2025, Fox News Digital confirmed.