The death of Hayden Panettiere, at age 36, put Brian Hickerson, her controversial ex-boyfriend, back under scrutiny after reports emerged that the two had allegedly traveled together to South Carolina one day before the actress’s death.
Panettiere and Hickerson had an on-and-off relationship for several years. Their history was marked by episodes of domestic violence: Hickerson was arrested on several occasions and in 2021 received a sentence of 45 days in jail for a case related to violence against the actress. This year, he also publicly admitted to abusing her.
Now, some reports indicate that the former couple was seen together again and that both took a flight from Los Angeles to the southern United States on Saturday, just one day before Panettiere was found dead.
The detail quickly sparked speculation on social media, especially because of the couple’s history.
However, so far there is no public evidence linking Hickerson to Panettiere’s death. Authorities said they initially found no signs of violence, and the official cause of death is still under investigation.
Panettiere was found unconscious at a home in South Carolina on Sunday, August 16. Emergency services tried to revive her, but she was pronounced dead at the scene.
For now, Hickerson’s presence in the days leading up to it is a detail that fuels rumors, but not proof that he had any involvement in the actress’s death.