Hayden Panettiere’s sudden death at 36 has left major questions about her final hours, and now her mother, Lesley Vogel, has spoken publicly about the tragedy.
Vogel not only reflected on the struggles her daughter faced but also called out Panettiere’s on-again-off-again boyfriend Brian Hickerson, revealing the family had been trying to remove him from the actress’ life “for quite some time.”
Hayden Panettiere’s Mom Speaks Out About Brian Hickerson
Speaking to NBC News following Panettiere’s death, Vogel said she believed her daughter had “lost her way.” She also directly addressed Hickerson’s presence in Panettiere’s life and revealed he was with the actress when she died. “This person in her life that we have been trying to get rid of for quite some time was with her at her death and that was Brian Hickerson,” Vogel said.
“I think Hayden was an amazingly talented person in so many departments, and I think young people who grow up in the entertainment industry — it is a struggle and it’s a very challenging industry, and it’s not unusual for them to sadly find the wrong path.”
Panettiere died Sunday at an apartment complex in Greenville, South Carolina. A police report stated Hickerson and his brother were at the residence when authorities arrived. Police continue to investigate the circumstances surrounding the actress’ death.
The Greenville County Coroner’s Office said authorities found Panettiere unresponsive. Officials have not yet determined her cause or manner of death, and both remain pending further investigation. Investigators reportedly found no obvious signs of trauma.
Authorities Are Still Investigating Hayden Panettiere’s Death
Questions surrounding the emergency call have also emerged. According to Page Six, officials on the 911 call made references to an “overdose” and “cardiac arrest.” Authorities, however, have not announced an official cause of death.
In case you missed it: ‘Heroes’ Star Hayden Panettiere Dies at 36 As Family Remembers Her As An “Incredible Light”
Panettiere previously opened up about her troubled relationship with Hickerson in her memoir, ‘This Is Me: A Reckoning‘. She detailed physical abuse by Hickerson, who later pleaded no contest to two felony counts of injuring a partner. He also received a five-year protective order.
Vogel told NBC News she planned to speak with a detective about her daughter’s death but said she had no additional information to share about the investigation. Vogel had previously spoken about the difficult situation between herself and her daughter.
According to a Page Six report in May, she had chosen the “no-contact route” after what she described as “20 years of trauma,” following advice from professionals. Panettiere’s death remains under investigation as authorities work to determine exactly what happened before the actress was found unresponsive.
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