A representative for Hayden Panettiere has condemned online rumors and speculation following the actress's death from a suspected overdose at an Airbnb in Greenville, South Carolina, on August 16, stating that there is "much more to this story than what is currently being discussed publicly."
The actress was pronounced dead at 2:31 p.m. after being found unconscious at the Judson Mill Lofts rental property, where she had traveled from Los Angeles a day earlier with her on-off boyfriend, Brian Hickerson, a 37-year-old native of South Carolina.
The Drug Enforcement Administration has joined local law enforcement in the investigation into the former Heroes star's death, while Panettiere's representative appealed to anyone with legitimate information to contact police rather than fuel public speculation on social media.
In a statement released to Us Weekly, the spokesperson criticized individuals who were not close to the actress for attempting to exploit the tragedy. "Many people who were not close to Hayden are using her death as an opportunity to fuel gossip and speculation about a situation they knew very little about," the statement read.
Describing the online commentary as "deeply disrespectful" to her memory and grieving inner circle, the spokesperson revealed that critical details surrounding her death have not yet emerged. "If you have legitimate information that could be helpful, please contact law enforcement rather than turning to social media to speculate publicly about something you do not fully understand," the representative said.
The spokesperson concluded by emphasizing that those closest to Panettiere are actively cooperating with authorities "to help ensure that the truth comes to light and that justice is properly served."
Final Moments at the South Carolina Rental
The statement from Panettiere's representative follows public comments from Zach Hickerson, the 38-year-old brother of Brian Hickerson, who broke his silence in a statement to TMZ to clarify his involvement during the star's final hours.
Zach Hickerson stated that he, his brother, and Panettiere had planned to get lunch and go indoor golfing following his attendance at a Sunday church service. After calling and texting both Panettiere and Brian without receiving a reply upon leaving church, he assumed the pair were sleeping and drove to the rental unit.
Because he did not have the door access code, Zach knocked loudly on the door, which awakened Brian from a nap the couple had been taking on a pull-out couch bed in the living room. Upon entering the home and attempting to wake Panettiere for lunch, the brothers discovered she was unresponsive.
Zach immediately dialed 911 while Brian administered Narcan, a nasal spray medication containing naloxone used to rapidly reverse opioid overdoses. Naloxone blocks opioids such as heroin, fentanyl, morphine, and prescription painkillers from binding to brain receptors, allowing individuals to resume breathing within two to three minutes for a period of 30 to 90 minutes.
While keeping 911 on speaker phone, the brothers jointly performed cardiopulmonary resuscitation until emergency medical personnel and firefighters arrived at the residence. Emergency responders took over and executed every available lifesaving measure, but Panettiere was pronounced dead at the scene.
Zach expressed that he is "beyond heartbroken and devastated" by the passing of the actress, whom he described as one of his "dearest and closest friends" over the past eight years. He called for an end to the assumptions and accusations surrounding her death, adding that the truth will emerge once police complete their probe.
Autopsy Findings and Legal Statements
According to an official police report from the Greenville Police Department, a responding officer arrived at the residence on Sunday afternoon and observed paramedics performing CPR on the unresponsive actress. The officer noted in the report that the patient did not appear to have any obvious physical reasons for her unresponsiveness, and investigators subsequently located Narcan on a mattress inside the property.
On Monday, the Greenville County Sheriff's Office confirmed that a post-mortem examination had been completed and showed no signs of physical trauma on Panettiere's body. Chief Deputy Coroner Shelton England told the Daily Mail that it was too early to confirm the drug overdose theory while further investigations continue to establish the exact cause of death.
On Thursday, Brian Hickerson addressed the investigation through his attorney, Sloan Ellis of the law firm Ellis Hinton. "Hayden's death remains under investigation and it is important to allow that investigation to proceed," Ellis said in a statement, noting that police confirmed no signs of foul play. "Out of respect for Hayden's loved ones and the ongoing investigation, there will be no further comment at this time."
Tributes and Family Background
Panettiere's former fiancé, 50-year-old former heavyweight boxing champion Wladimir Klitschko, paid tribute to the actress on Friday, which would have been her 37th birthday. Sharing a photograph of the star, Klitschko wrote: "Today is Hayden's birthday. Instead of celebrating the way we had planned, today we celebrate her life, her spirit, and the love she brought into this world."
Klitschko expressed gratitude to fans and friends for an outpouring of support during a sad time, adding: "If you're reading this, I ask just one thing: Even if only for a moment, think about LOVE. Reach out to a friend. Forgive someone. Be kind. Love is a superpower. Use it. Happy Birthday, Hayden. You are loved, you are missed, and you will never be forgotten."
Klitschko and Panettiere share a daughter, Kaya. In 2018, when Kaya was three years old, Panettiere signed full custody of her daughter over to Klitschko while battling postpartum depression and addiction, after which Klitschko moved Kaya to his native Ukraine.
Following the tragedy, a spokesperson for Panettiere's family confirmed her death, remembering her as an "incredible light" who brought joy to millions. Her father, Skip Panettiere, released a statement expressing profound sadness over the passing of his daughter, describing her as a "force of nature" and requesting privacy as the family processes their loss.
