TROUBLING Details Emerge After Actress Found Dead With Ex-Boyfriend Present

Liberty Check

• Hayden Panettiere’s ex-boyfriend Brian Hickerson was present when the actress was found unresponsive, despite a history of domestic violence convictions against him
• Police report reveals Hickerson handed over a bag of the actress’s medication to authorities and showed delayed emotional response
• Just three days before her death, Hickerson appeared in court attempting to reduce his felony domestic violence charges — and was denied

The tragic death of actress Hayden Panettiere has taken a troubling turn as police reports reveal her ex-boyfriend — a man previously convicted of domestic violence against her — was among those present when she was found unresponsive at a South Carolina apartment.

Brian Hickerson, who had a tumultuous on-again, off-again relationship with Panettiere, was at the scene on Aug. 16 when the 36-year-old actress was discovered. His presence marks a disturbing final chapter in a relationship that previously resulted in felony charges and conviction.

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

The report contains revealing details about the brothers’ reactions. Zach appeared “very emotional” while paramedics attempted to revive the “Ice Princess” star. Hickerson, however, did not display emotion until after Panettiere was declared deceased.

Officers were given a bag of medication that Panettiere had allegedly been taking — handed over by Hickerson himself.

The relationship between Panettiere and Hickerson began in 2018 shortly after her split from former heavyweight boxing champion Wladimir Klitschko. Hickerson, a South Carolina native who worked in real estate before pursuing acting, reportedly traveled with Panettiere from Los Angeles the day before she was found unresponsive.

The couple’s history is marked by serious legal troubles. Hickerson was first charged with domestic violence in connection to Panettiere in 2019. He was arrested again in 2020 on eight felony domestic violence charges, including corporal injury on a spouse/cohabitant, assault with a deadly weapon, and battery.

In 2021, Hickerson pleaded no contest to two felony charges connected to the domestic violence involving Panettiere. The remaining charges were dismissed as part of a plea agreement.

After Hickerson’s arrest, Panettiere courageously addressed the allegations publicly, expressing hope that her story would help others.

“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. 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.”

Perhaps most disturbing is the timing: just three days before Panettiere’s death, Hickerson appeared in Los Angeles court attempting to have his felony charges reduced.

A spokesperson for the Los Angeles County District Attorney’s Office confirmed to Fox News Digital that prosecutors objected to the motion to expunge and reduce both counts. The court denied both requests.

This wasn’t Hickerson’s first attempt to have the charges reduced — he had appeared in court for the same purpose on July 18, 2025.

The full circumstances surrounding Panettiere’s death remain under investigation.

Americans deserve better protection for victims of domestic violence.