Hayden Panettiere’s death followed a weekend trip to South Carolina with her on-again, off-again boyfriend, but the first response from his family was strikingly brief.
As more details emerged, attention shifted to what Brian Hickerson’s family knew, how they responded, and who was inside the Airbnb when Hayden was found unresponsive.
The January 2019 photo captures an earlier chapter in Hayden Panettiere and Brian Hickerson’s relationship. Their connection later resurfaced in reports surrounding Panettiere’s final trip to South Carolina in August 2026. | Source: Getty Images
Hayden and Brian reportedly flew from Los Angeles to the South on Saturday, August 15, 2026. Sources with direct knowledge told the outlet that the actress died the following day.
As news of her death broke, TMZ reported that Brian’s family was aware of the situation but had provided no further statement at the time.
Two days later, more details emerged about the family’s involvement in the events inside the Greenville, South Carolina, Airbnb.
Hayden Panettiere was photographed in West Hollywood in September 2022. Nearly four years later, reports about her final trip to South Carolina would reveal that Brian Hickerson’s brother, Zach, was the person who found her unresponsive inside the Airbnb. | Source: Getty Images
According to the same publication, Brian’s brother, Zach Hickerson, entered the residence on Sunday afternoon and found Hyaden unresponsive in a chair in the living room. Brian was reportedly asleep in another room.
Zach and Brian then called 911. The later report clarified Zach’s role in the emergency, identifying him as the person who found the “Heroes” star. Hayden Panettiere‘s cause and manner of death have yet to be determined.
