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Hayden Panettiere Shared Heartbreaking Final Instagram Post Weeks Before Death at 36
Before Hayden Panettiere's untimely death, she flew across the country with Brian Hickerson, E! News has learned.
The Nashville actress traveled with Hickerson—her on-and-off boyfriend of nearly a decade—from Los Angeles to South Carolina on Aug. 15.
E! News has attempted to reach out to Hickerson for comment and has not heard back.
Panettiere was pronounced dead Aug. 16 by Greenville officials, who responded to a call of an "unresponsive female."
“Upon arrival, medical assistance was administered," police shared in a press release obtained by E! News, "however, the individual, later identified as Hayden Panettiere, was pronounced deceased at the scene."
“The case is under investigation by the Greenville Police Department in conjunction with the Greenville County Coroner’s Office," authorities continued. "The preliminary investigation has not indicated any signs of foul play or suspicious circumstances."
Police confirmed an "acquaintance of Ms. Panettiere placed the 911 call," though they did not name the individual. In the 911 dispatch calls obtained by People and TMZ, an Emergency Medical Service worker reported an apparent "overdose" had taken place and CPR was "in progress."
According to an autopsy completed by the Greenville County Coroner’s Office Aug. 17, no signs of trauma were discovered that would have contributed to Panettiere's death. The cause and manner of death, the office said, "remain pending further investigation and the completion of additional studies."
Prior to her passing, Panettiere—who would've celebrated her 37th birthday on Aug. 21—had been in an on-off relationship with Hickerson, a South Carolina native, since 2018.
Throughout their time together, Hickerson faced multiple allegations of domestic violence against the Heroes alum.
In 2019, Hickerson was arrested after an alleged confrontation with Panettiere. At the time, a police spokesperson told E! News that Hickerson was detained at a Los Angeles residence and booked on suspicion of felony domestic violence.
He pleaded not guilty to the charge of felony domestic violence and the case was later dismissed.
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The following year, on Valentine's Day 2020, Hickerson—a real estate agent and actor—was arrested for domestic battery in Wyoming after a physical altercation with a woman, later identified as Panettiere. Hickerson, Us Weekly confirmed, pleaded not guilty in April of that year.
Three months later, in July 2020, Hickerson was arrested in Los Angeles, with a source telling E! News that he was booked on eight counts of charges that ranged from domestic violence and assault to witness intimidation, incidents that took place during his relationship with Panettiere.
That same month, Panettiere was granted a restraining order against her ex.
In April 2021, Hickerson was sentenced to 45 days in county jail. He pleaded no contest to two felony counts of injuring a spouse or girlfriend, according to a spokesperson for the LA District Attorney's Office. He began his sentence a month later.
Roy Rochlin/FilmMagic
After serving his time, Hickerson reunited with Panettiere in July 2021.
"Hayden and I are not back together but are working on a friendship," he told E! News at the time. "We have a long history together, and the first step in my recovery as an abuser is making amends. That's exactly what Hayden has been gracious enough to allow me to do."
Panettiere also spoke out about their friendship in a 2023 profile with the New York Times.
"There are feelings there, yes," she told the outlet, before referring his arrests. "He knows he deserved what happened to him."
Panettiere also pointed out that their time together was "contingent on him continuing on this road of recovery," adding, "I did not do any of this lightly."
The pair reunited earlier this year, as Hickerson accompanied Panettiere—on crutches at the time—at Los Angeles International Airport.
"Hayden has been privately managing a temporary nerve condition, which is the reason she was seen using crutches," her rep told E! News in March. "She is recovering well and is on the mend."
TMZ was first to report details of their flight to South Carolina.
As family and friends continue to mourn Panettiere's death, keep reading for all of their tributes...
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Jenna Ortega
The Wednesday actress shared the news of Panettiere's death to her Instagram Story, writing, "This is such a devastating loss. Rest well."
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Kim Cattrall
The Ice Princess star—who played Panettiere's mom in the 2005 Disney film—shared a photo from the movie and a touching note to the late actress.
"Rest in peace sweet Hayden," Cattrall wrote on Instagram. "Gone far too soon."
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Alyson Stoner
The Suite Life of Zack & Cody alum—who worked with Panettiere as voice actors in the Kingdom Hearts video game franchise—shared a tearful reflection.
"I just wanted to acknowledge the tremendous loss, not only for the Kingdom Hearts family, but of course all of the close loved ones and the millions of lives that Hayden reached," they said in an Instagram video. "Sending so much love to Hayden's family, I'll be thinking of Hayden and the legacy that she has left. Sending lots of love to the Kingdom Hearts community too and how we're sharing in this loss."
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SAG-AFTRA
"We join in mourning the sudden passing of Hayden Panettiere," the union—which she joined in 1994 at age 4—began its tribute. "Starting as a child actor, Hayden's long career in TV and film included memorable roles in Heroes, Nashville and more. Our hearts are with her daughter, family, friends and fans."
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David Anders
"One of the brighter lights I've ever met and had the privilege to call a friend," the Heroes alum wrote of his costar. "I love you Hayden. Always and forever. Wherever you are now."
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James Kyson
Kyson, best known for his role as Ando Masahashi in Heroes, recalled meeting his costar while filming the sci-fi series.
"I first met Hayden when she was 16, and she was already a veteran actor with such bright spirit, and an older soul," he wrote on Instagram. "I remember her as a fierce protector of animal rights and a 'cheerleader' for kindness, justice, and people being treated fairly - something that I've always appreciated."
He also shared a reminder to online users, emphasizing, "Life can be so short… let's send some love out to the world, our loved ones, and to those who need it most today."
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Brandon Auman
"Horrible news," Auman, who directed Panettiere's final film Sleepwalker, began on Instagram. "Completely devastated. You taught me so much on set, and the personal stories you shared with me about growing up in the industry were often profound, surreal and amazing. Thank you for everything. I'll miss you, Hayden."
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JoJo
"This is such devastating news," the singer wrote on her Instagram Stories. "I am so so sorry to heard of her passing. Oh. My God."
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Chris Applebaum
Applebaum shared a throwback clip of him working with Panettiere on the music video for her 2008 song "Wake Up Call," while detailing their recent reunion.
"I directed this video for @haydenpanettiere with @imsebastianstan," he explained on Instagram. "When I saw her at Paris' a couple months ago, we were cracking up over all the funny stuff we talked about between shots, pranking Klitschko in Miami, and how tiny she was. Such a sweet, tiny little bundle of joy. Your memory will always be a blessing."
Dimitrios Kambouris/Getty Images for Paramount+
Jeremy Renner
The Hawkeye star commented on People's Instagram post, "Bless you and your family."
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Dania Ramirez
"My heart aches so much right now," Panettiere's Heroes costar wrote. "I love you and will always miss you. I take comfort in knowing that I am with you in life and in death because your love and energy has always transcended this dimension."
"My thoughts are with your daughter and those who truly love you," she added. "I know that the ones that got to feel your gifts will forever feel blessed and grateful for you."
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Bethany Joy Lenz
After Panettiere’s death Aug. 16, her Guiding Light costar Bethany Joy Lenz was one of many who shared heartbreaking memories from their years-long friendship.
“I’m crushed,” Bethany wrote in an Instagram post. “I knew the wild little blonde. Was she nine? Ten? I was eighteen. She ran through the Screen Gem studio hallways at 222 E44th St. laughing and playing games in between blocking and camera rehearsals. Long, unruly curls trailing behind her. She knew her lines and everyone else’s. Her intelligence was astonishing.”
Noting that the pair would “connect on and off over the years,” Bethany detailed feeling joy when they “were lucky enough to cross paths.”
“I dont understand how this is real,” she continued. “Everything seemed to be turning around. She was coming BACK to life, wasn’t she? It’s too young and there’s still so much more life. And her daughter…. Hayden, you are surround by love. I’m sorry for every moment I didn’t reach out or check in. This can’t be real..”
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Viola Davis
Davis, who starred alongside Panettiere in the 2016 film Custody, remembered her as "an amazing talent."
“Julius [Tennon] and I loved working with you,” Viola wrote in her Aug. 17 Instagram post, “an old, wise soul with such a deep heart. I wish the world had more time with you because I had a burning curiosity about who you were becoming. I saw this beautiful Phoenix rising from the ashes. Your tests became your testimony, and your testimony became your legacy.”
“You will be remembered,” the Fences star added. “Rest well, Hayden. Sending healing prayers to your family, your daughter, and all who loved you. May they always speak your name.”
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Selma Blair
Underneath the Heroes actress’ final Instagram post, Blair penned a heartbreaking message: "I love you. Don’t be gone. Don’t be gone. Please. Please.” The Legally Blonde alum later added, “I'm dying. Please be here."
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Kelly Osbourne
“I am deeply saddened by the loss of someone who meant so much to me,” Osbourne wrote alongside a photo of Panettiere. “We understood each other in a way few truly can — recognizing how difficult it is to grow up in the spotlight, and how isolating it can feel even when surrounded by so many people.”
Osbourne praised Panettiere as being “such a good friend.”
“I will never forget you, Hayden, and I will always believe you deserved better,” the Osbournes alum added. “Rest in peace, sweet princess. You will never be forgotten.”
Photo by Alberto E. Rodriguez/Getty Images
Rosie O'Donnell
"Oh my god," the comedian wrote alongside a photo of Panettiere Aug. 16, "heartbroken. #hayden."
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Melissa Barrera
Panettiere's Scream costar Barrera wrote on her Instagram Stories Aug. 16, “Rest in peace sweet Hayden.”
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Jay Shetty
The podcaster—who sat down with the Bring It On: All or Nothing star in May for an emotional conversation about her sobriety journey and the death of her brother—shared he was in "disbelief."
"You were so special," he wrote on his Instagram Stories alongside a clip of her podcast episode. "May you always be protected and peaceful."
Instagram/@heathermatarazzo
Heather Matarazzo
The Princess Diaries star shared she met the Ice Princess actress during their early days of acting.
“Devastated,” she captioned a photo of the pair on Instagram. “We first met on the LIRR traveling to NYC for auditions when we were both kids. Every time our paths crossed, my heart always filled up. She was special. She was a Sprite of a being and such a talent. Truly a light…..Love you, Hayden.”
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