Fresh insights are surfacing about the investigation into Hayden Panettiere‘s death.
A source within Panettiere’s West Hollywood building disclosed to Us that over six federal agents entered her home on the night of Tuesday, August 25. The source indicated that the agents held a warrant for the search.
Panettiere passed away in South Carolina on August 16 at the age of 36. The cause of death is still pending confirmation, although the autopsy revealed “no signs of trauma.”
A police report obtained by Us mentioned that Panettiere’s intermittent boyfriend, Brian Hickerson, and his brother Zach Hickerson were on the scene when she died. Brian, 37, later made a statement through his lawyer.
“Hayden’s death continues to be investigated, and it is crucial to let the investigation run its course,” remarked Brian’s lawyer, Sloan Ellis, in a statement to Us on Thursday, August 20. “As publicly noted, police have verified that no foul play is suspected. Out of respect for Hayden’s family and the ongoing investigation, no further comments will be made at this time.”
Zach claimed a day later that he and Brian attempted to save Panettiere after discovering her unresponsive in an Airbnb.
“We tried to wake Hayden for lunch and found her unconscious,” he told TMZ on Friday, August 21. “I called 911 immediately, and Brian administered Narcan. We then performed CPR together while 911 was on the line until Fire and EMS arrived. We watched as they tried everything they could to save her.”
Lesley Vogel, Panettiere’s estranged mother, disputed these claims. She told the Daily Mail on Saturday, August 22, that she holds Brian accountable for her daughter’s death, although he has not been formally charged.
Actress Hayden Panettiere was found unresponsive at a location in Greenville, South Carolina, on August 16, 2026, and was declared dead at the scene. She was 36. A statement from the Greenville Police Department notes that officers, accompanied by EMS personnel, responded to a report of an unresponsive woman at around 1:50 p.m. Upon their arrival, medical personnel took action.
Panettiere’s representative addressed the online speculation following her death, urging individuals to provide any useful information to aid the investigation.
“Many individuals not closely acquainted with Hayden are using her passing as an opportunity to spread gossip and speculation about a situation they know little about,” read a statement shared with Us on Tuesday. “This is deeply disrespectful to her memory and those who knew and loved her, who are grieving this significant loss.”
The statement further emphasized, “If you possess credible information that could assist, please contact law enforcement instead of engaging in public speculation on social media about matters you do not fully understand. There is far more to this story than what is publicly known, and those closest to Hayden are actively working with the ongoing investigation to ensure the truth emerges and justice is served.”
