The Hayden Panettiere death investigation has taken a new turn, with reports suggesting that investigators want to examine the phone of her former boyfriend, Brian Hickerson.
Panettiere died on August 16, 2026, at the age of 36. Police found the actress in cardiac arrest at an apartment in Greenville, South Carolina. Authorities have said there were no obvious signs of foul play, while the official cause and manner of death remain pending.
Investigators Reportedly Want Hickerson’s Phone
According to Radar Online, investigators are seeking additional information from Hickerson and reportedly want access to his phone.
A source cited by the outlet claimed that investigators believe the device could help establish who Hickerson contacted, where he was and what happened before Panettiere was found unresponsive.
However, these claims have not been publicly confirmed by police.
Brian Hickerson Was at the Scene
Hickerson and his brother, Zach, were at the South Carolina apartment when Panettiere was found unresponsive.
A police report says the brothers were present when officers and emergency medical personnel arrived. They also made the 911 call that brought first responders to the property.
The report also mentioned a bag of medication that Hickerson showed to police. E! News reported that the document described the medication as something Panettiere had been taking.
Panettiere and Hickerson Had a Troubled History
The renewed attention on Hickerson also stems from his complicated relationship with Panettiere.
The pair had an on-and-off relationship for years. Hickerson also faced domestic violence charges involving Panettiere and was previously convicted in connection with the case.
Panettiere later discussed the relationship and alleged abuse in her memoir.
Despite that history, authorities have not publicly named Hickerson as a suspect in Panettiere’s death.
Cause of Death Has Not Been Confirmed
Panettiere was found in cardiac arrest after police received a report about an unresponsive woman.
Emergency responders attempted life-saving treatment, but she was pronounced dead at the scene.
An autopsy reportedly found no trauma that contributed to her death. However, officials have not yet released a final cause or manner of death.
Questions Surround Her Final Hours
The circumstances surrounding Panettiere’s final hours have attracted considerable public attention.
That interest has increased because Hickerson was with her shortly before her death. According to E! News, Panettiere traveled with him from Los Angeles to South Carolina one day before she died.
Still, being present at the scene does not establish wrongdoing.
The investigation must determine what happened before Panettiere went into cardiac arrest and whether any additional evidence is relevant.
Hayden Panettiere’s Legacy
Panettiere became a familiar face to television audiences through roles in Heroes and Nashville. She also appeared in films including Remember the Titans and Scream 4.
Her death at 36 shocked fans and colleagues around the world.
As investigators continue examining the circumstances, questions surrounding her final hours are likely to remain under scrutiny. For now, however, officials have not confirmed that Hickerson committed any wrongdoing or that his phone contains evidence connected to her death.
