Brian Hickerson's attorney has issued a statement following the death of actress Hayden Panettiere, emphasizing the need to allow the ongoing investigation to proceed. Hickerson, who was Panettiere's on-again, off-again boyfriend, was reportedly with the actress at the time of her passing.

Panettiere, known for her roles in "Heroes," "Nashville," and "Ice Princess," died on August 16 at the age of 36. The circumstances surrounding her death are currently under investigation, with the Drug Enforcement Administration reportedly joining the probe. Police have confirmed there were no initial signs of foul play, according to a police report obtained by ABC News.

Hickerson's attorney stated that out of respect for Panettiere's loved ones and the continuing investigation, no further comments would be made. The statement also noted the importance of allowing the official process to conclude.

The investigation into Panettiere's death is active, with the Greenville City Police Department in South Carolina leading the inquiry. The involvement of the DEA suggests a potential focus on substances or related factors.

Panettiere had previously spoken publicly about alleged domestic abuse involving Hickerson. In a 2020 statement to Good Morning America, she expressed hope that her story would empower others in abusive relationships and stated her commitment to preventing him from harming anyone else. Hickerson pleaded no contest to two felony counts of injuring a spouse or girlfriend in April 2021.

Recently, on August 13, 2026, a California judge denied Hickerson's request to reduce his prior domestic violence felony convictions to misdemeanors and to expunge the case. Court documents obtained by ABC News detail this denial.

A police report indicates that Hickerson's brother, Zach Hickerson, was also present when Panettiere died. The report noted that Zach appeared very emotional while medical personnel were attending to Panettiere, while Brian Hickerson reportedly became emotional only after she was declared deceased. Medical teams were on scene performing life-saving measures.

The police report also stated that Brian Hickerson showed officers a bag of medication that Panettiere was taking. The investigation remains ongoing as authorities work to determine the full circumstances surrounding her death.