Hayden Panettiere‘s boyfriend’s brother is speaking out as new details emerge about the actress’ sudden death and the circumstances surrounding the hours before she was found unresponsive.
Zach Hickerson, the brother of Panettiere’s on-again, off-again boyfriend Brian Hickerson, spoke with TMZ on Thursday (Aug. 21), confirming that he was at the South Carolina residence where Panettiere was found and explaining what happened after he arrived.
Panettiere was found unconscious at an Airbnb in Greenville, S.C., on Sunday (Aug. 16). She was 36.
New Details Emerge
Zach told TMZ that he went to the residence after he hadn’t heard from Panettiere or Brian. He said he woke Brian from a nap, and the brothers shortly afterward found Panettiere unconscious.
Zach said he called 911, while Brian administered Narcan to Panettiere. Narcan is a medication designed to reverse the effects of a life-threatening opioid overdose rapidly.
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Panettiere had previously spoken publicly about her struggles with addiction. Zach also confirmed that the Greenville residence was an Airbnb.
He Urges People to Wait for the Facts
Zach said there have been “a lot of assumptions, speculations and accusations” surrounding Panettiere’s death and urged people to wait for authorities to complete their investigation.
The truth will come out as the authorities complete and release additional details from the investigation. And that is important because the people who loved and adored Hayden deserve the truth. Out of respect for her loved ones, the speculation and sensationalism of her death needs to end until the facts can be released from the investigation.
Zach described Panettiere as one of his closest friends over the past eight years and said he was “beyond heartbroken” over what he called a “tragic and traumatic loss.”
Hayden Panettiere’s Death
Panettiere was found dead at the Greenville residence on Aug. 16. Her representative confirmed her death that day in a statement on behalf of her father, Alan “Skip” Panettiere.
It is with profound sadness that we share the tragic passing of our beloved Hayden. She was an incredible light and a force of nature who brought immeasurable love and joy to all who knew her — and to the millions who watched her onscreen.
Authorities have not publicly released a cause of death. The circumstances surrounding Panettiere’s death remain under investigation.
If you or someone you know is struggling with mental health challenges, emotional distress, substance use problems, or just needs to talk, call or text 988, or chat at 988lifeline.org 24/7.
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