The investigation into Hayden Panettiere’s sudden death has taken another turn, with federal authorities now involved and new details emerging about the final morning of the actress’ life. But one of the most revealing accounts so far has come from someone who says he was inside the South Carolina Airbnb when everything unfolded.
The “Nashville” actress died Sunday, August 16, at 36 after she was found unresponsive at a residence in Greenville, South Carolina. According to ABC News, the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) joined the investigation on August 19, assisting the Greenville City Police Department, which remains the lead agency.
The development came shortly after Greenville police released a report detailing the scene where Hayden was found in cardiac arrest. An officer responding to an EMS call for an unresponsive person reported that Hayden was at the residence with her on-again, off-again boyfriend, Brian Hickerson, and his brother, Zach Hickerson.
Hayden Panettiere attended an Emmy nominees event in West Hollywood in September 2022. In later interviews, she spoke openly about the personal struggles she faced away from the spotlight. | Source: Getty Images
The Investigation Has Taken a More Serious Turn
The police report did not establish whether Hayden had been using drugs or alcohol at the time. It also noted that Brian showed officers a bag containing medication Hayden had been taking. Hayden’s representative later gave ABC News a brief statement as the investigation continued.
“There’s nothing to be shared at this time as the investigation is ongoing, but we are hopeful that justice will be served.” The coroner’s office has said Hayden’s official cause and manner of death remain pending further investigation and additional studies.
That distinction is important because the investigation has not officially established that an overdose caused Hayden’s death, even as reports surrounding Narcan and the DEA’s involvement have intensified questions. And now, a new account from Brian’s brother has provided considerably more detail about what happened inside the Airbnb.
Hayden Panettiere attends an event in 2022, years before her sudden death at 36. Her death was later reported to be under investigation, with police saying there were no initial signs of foul play or suspicious circumstances. | Source: Getty Images
Zach Reveals What Happened Inside the Airbnb
According to TMZ’s report, Zach said he woke up at his Airbnb that Sunday morning, got dressed, and went to church. He said he exchanged messages with Brian on his way there, and they planned to have lunch and play indoor golf after the service.
“When I left church, I called and texted both of them. When I didn’t reach Brian or Hayden, I just assumed maybe they fell back asleep, so I drove over and went to the Airbnb.”
“When I got there, I knew the code to the building but not the door code to the Airbnb,” he added. He continued, “I knocked loudly, which apparently woke Brian up from a nap they were both taking on the pull out couch bed in the living room.”
The brothers then tried to wake Hayden so they could leave for lunch. “When we went in and tried to wake Hayden up for lunch, we realized she was unconscious.”
What happened next had not previously been publicly confirmed.
Hayden Panettiere is pictured riding in a vehicle in an undated photo. The image comes as Zach Hickerson recalls arriving at the Airbnb after Hayden and Brian failed to respond to his calls and texts, only to discover Hayden unconscious inside. | Source: Instagram/haydenpanettiere