Hayden Panettiere’s Mother Speaks on Her Daughter’s Death

Lesley Vogel, mother of Hayden Panettiere, addressed her daughter’s death two days after the tragedy. The “Heroes” star died at 36. Vogel pointed to Brian Hickerson, Panettiere’s former boyfriend, as being present at the time of her death.

The incident occurred in Greenville, South Carolina. A police report confirmed that Brian Hickerson and his brother, Zach, were with Panettiere at her passing. Vogel expressed her regrets about the relationship, describing her daughter’s talents and the challenges of growing up in the entertainment industry.

“I think young people who grow up in the entertainment industry face many challenges, and it’s not unusual for them to navigate difficult paths,” Vogel remarked.

Despite her legacy in Hollywood, Panettiere had a complex history with her mother, who managed her career until she was 19. Following their business split, they became estranged, as Panettiere admitted to US Weekly earlier in the year.

Hayden Panettiere’s romantic involvement with Hickerson began in 2018 and ended in 2022. Preliminary autopsy results revealed no signs of trauma contributing to her death. Greenville County authorities continue to investigate.

Wladimir Klitschko, her ex-fiancé, shared his condolences. He promised to keep her memory alive for their daughter, Kaya. Klitschko reflected on Panettiere’s influential yet challenging career and extended his sympathy to her family and fans.

In a memoir released in May, Panettiere discussed granting Klitschko custody of their daughter, stating concerns about her mental health at that time. She wanted the best environment for Kaya and accepted the decision to keep her daughter safe.