Hayden Panettiere’s Brother Reveals Boyfriend Administered Narcan Before Death

The incident occurred at an Airbnb in Greenville, South Carolina, where Panettiere and her on-off boyfriend, Brian Hickerson, had recently arrived, according to the Greenville Police Department and TMZ reports.

Timeline of the Greenville Airbnb Discovery

According to Zach Hickerson’s account provided to TMZ, he attended a church service on Sunday morning and exchanged messages with his brother beforehand regarding plans to get lunch and play indoor golf. After the service, Zach called and texted both Panettiere and Brian. Assuming they had fallen back asleep, he drove to the Greenville Airbnb where the couple was staying, a location near where the brothers’ grandmother lives.

Because Zach did not have the door code, he knocked loudly on the door, which woke Brian. According to Zach, both Brian and Panettiere had been asleep on a pull-out couch in the living room. Upon entering to wake Panettiere for lunch, the brothers realized she was unconscious, prompting Zach to call 911 while Brian administered Narcan, followed by joint CPR efforts until emergency services arrived.

Police Report and First Responder Response

A heavily redacted incident report released by the Greenville Police Department details the brothers’ reaction following the arrival of first responders, who attempted but ultimately failed to revive Panettiere. According to the police report, Brian Hickerson became very emotional and showed authorities a bag containing medication he stated she was taking. Dispatch audio from the scene mentioned an “overdose,” and a Narcan bottle was reported to have been found in the room, with a device used to dispense it left behind on a mattress, as reported by TMZ.

Background of Panettiere and Brian Hickerson’s Relationship

Brian Hickerson and Panettiere had been in an on-and-off relationship since 2018, during which time Hickerson was arrested several times for domestic abuse. In April 2021, Hickerson was sentenced to 45 days in county jail after pleading no contest to two felony counts of injuring a spouse or girlfriend, alongside four years of probation, mandatory domestic violence classes, and a five-year restraining order barring him from approaching Panettiere, according to records cited by the New York Post.

Frequently Asked Questions

Who administered Narcan to Hayden Panettiere?

According to a statement from Zach Hickerson to TMZ, Brian Hickerson administered Narcan to Panettiere after the two brothers found her unconscious.

Where was Hayden Panettiere found?

Panettiere was found unresponsive in an Airbnb in Greenville, South Carolina, according to police reports and media coverage.

What was the nature of Hayden Panettiere and Brian Hickerson’s relationship?

The pair dated on and off starting in 2018, a period marked by multiple domestic violence incidents and a 2021 criminal conviction for Hickerson, according to court and police records.