Hayden Panettiere's boyfriend faced drug-use accusation days before her death
What's the story
Brian Hickerson, the boyfriend of late actor Hayden Panettiere, was accused of being "quite high" on drugs just three days before her tragic death. The allegation was made by a prosecutor during a hearing to oppose Hickerson's petition to expunge domestic violence convictions involving Panettiere. The 36-year-old actor died on August 16 after being found in cardiac arrest at a residence in Greenville, South Carolina.
Legal history
Hickerson was convicted in 2021
Hickerson, 37, was convicted in 2021 on two felony counts of corporal injury to a spouse/cohabitant after pleading no contest in a domestic violence case involving Panettiere.
He was sentenced to 45 days in jail, four years of formal probation, 52 domestic violence classes, $500 in restitution, and a five-year protective order. He spent just 13 days behind bars.
On July 20 this year, he filed a petition to expunge these convictions, claiming he had fulfilled his probation conditions.
Legal proceedings
Prosecutor claimed he was 'not sober' during recent interview
During a hearing on August 13, just three days before Panettiere's death, prosecutors opposed Hickerson's petition, citing his alleged continued drug use.
The prosecutor argued that Hickerson appeared "quite high on what appears to be a stimulant" and "very, very clearly not sober" in a recent interview.
Notably, Hickerson was interviewed by TMZ in May 2026.
Criminal record
Prosecution cited past arrests as evidence of drug use
The prosecution also brought up Hickerson's past arrests as evidence of his ongoing drug use.
According to the LA County District Attorney's Office, he was arrested twice in August 2025 in separate incidents, one of which was for being under the influence of a controlled substance.
In one incident, he was reportedly high at a local restaurant in West Hollywood.
Investigation
Panettiere was found in cardiac arrest
Two days after the August 13 hearing, Hickerson and Panettiere traveled to South Carolina together.
Panettiere was found in cardiac arrest at a residence in Greenville, SC, the next day.
A police report obtained by PEOPLE stated that Hickerson and his brother Zach were present when she died.
The responding officer noted that Zach was "very emotional," while Hickerson wasn't visibly emotional until Panettiere was pronounced dead.
Tribute
Coroner's office announced autopsy results on August 17
The Greenville County Coroner's Office announced on Monday that an autopsy had been completed, with "no signs of trauma discovered that would have contributed to the death."
Panettiere's remains were released to her family on Tuesday.
Her father, Alan Skip Panettiere, confirmed her death in a statement, saying, "It is with profound sadness that we share the tragic passing of our beloved Hayden."
The actor was last seen with Hickerson at Los Angeles International Airport in March.