Hayden Panettiere’s mother, Lesley Vogel, has spoken publicly for the first time about her daughter’s sudden death at 36, amid reports of a suspected fatal heart attack, while criticizing the actress’ on-off boyfriend, Brian Hickerson. Vogel expressed concerns about Hickerson and described efforts by the family to keep him away from the actress. Panettiere, best known for her roles in Heroes and Nashville, died in Greenville, South Carolina. Her death has prompted renewed attention on her personal life and relationships. Authorities have not yet established an official cause of death, and toxicology results are reportedly pending. Vogel’s comments offer the family’s perspective as they mourn Panettiere's untimely demise.
Vogel, 70, has criticized Panettiere’s on-and-off boyfriend, Hickerson, 37, who was reportedly with the actress when she died on Sunday. A newly released police report reportedly indicates that authorities found Hickerson and his brother Zach at the scene as they investigated Panettiere’s suspected overdose. Panettiere and Hickerson had a tumultuous relationship that began in 2018 and continued intermittently through 2022. Their time together was marked by domestic violence allegations, arrests and legal troubles. Hickerson was convicted of abusing Panettiere and served time in jail as a result. Despite their troubled history, the pair appeared to have reconnected in recent months and were reportedly seen spending time together again.
