Brian Hickerson, the on-again, off-again boyfriend of the late actress Hayden Panettiere, has met with federal investigators as part of the ongoing investigation into her death, according to multiple reports.
Hickerson, 37, spoke with the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA), a source with direct knowledge of the investigation told TMZ, as reported by In Touch Weekly and other outlets. The meeting is part of a broader investigation into the circumstances surrounding Panettiere’s death on August 16, 2026, at a residence in Greenville, South Carolina.
It is important to note that a meeting with investigators does not, by itself, establish criminal wrongdoing. Hickerson has not been named a suspect in the case, and no arrests have been made in connection with Panettiere’s death.
The investigation remains active and ongoing, with authorities awaiting toxicology results that could determine Panettiere’s official cause of death.
What Happened With Brian Hickerson and the DEA?
According to reporting from TMZ, which cited sources with direct knowledge of the investigation, Hickerson has spoken with the DEA as part of the inquiry into Panettiere’s death.
A source close to the investigation confirmed to PEOPLE that Hickerson met with the DEA and that authorities have “interviewed others” amid the investigation.
The reported meeting is part of an effort by local and federal authorities to identify the person who may have supplied Panettiere with substances that could have contributed to her death. One source told TMZ that investigators are “zeroing in on a potential drug dealer”.
It remains unclear exactly when the meeting took place, what information was discussed, or whether Hickerson provided any statements to investigators. Authorities have not publicly confirmed the meeting or provided details about what was discussed.
Hickerson’s attorney, Sloan Ellis, declined to comment when contacted by PEOPLE on September 10.
Why Is the DEA Involved?
The DEA’s involvement in the investigation reflects the nature of the inquiry, which authorities have indicated may involve controlled substances.
According to reporting, both local and federal investigators are focusing on identifying the person who may have supplied Panettiere with drugs that could have caused her death. This type of investigation falls within the DEA’s purview, as the agency is responsible for enforcing federal drug laws.
The investigation involves multiple agencies. The U.S. Drug Enforcement Agency, the Greenville County Coroner’s Office, and the Greenville Police Department are all participating in the investigation into Panettiere’s death.
What remains unclear is whether the DEA’s involvement indicates a specific investigative theory or whether the agency is simply providing resources and expertise to assist local authorities. No official statement has been released detailing the scope of the DEA’s role.
What Is Known About the Death Investigation?
The investigation into Hayden Panettiere’s death has generated significant public interest, and it is important to distinguish between confirmed facts and information that has been reported by sources but not officially confirmed.
Confirmed Information
- Hayden Panettiere was found unresponsive at a residence in Greenville, South Carolina, on August 16, 2026.
- First responders found her in cardiac arrest and attempted lifesaving measures before she was pronounced dead at 2:31 p.m.
- An autopsy was completed on August 17, 2026. The Greenville County Coroner’s Office stated that the autopsy found “no signs of trauma that would have contributed to the death”.
- Police have stated there are no signs of foul play.
- Toxicology results are pending and could take 8 to 12 weeks to be returned, according to the Greenville County Coroner’s Office.
- Hickerson and his brother, Zach Hickerson, were at the residence when first responders arrived.
- Hickerson administered Narcan to Panettiere and performed CPR along with his brother, according to his brother’s account.
- No arrests have been made in connection with Panettiere’s death.
Reported Information
- Hickerson has met with the DEA, according to sources cited by TMZ.
- Investigators are searching for a potential drug dealer who may have supplied Panettiere with substances, according to sources.
- Hickerson’s brother, Zach, said he went to the residence after being unable to reach the couple ahead of plans to have lunch together.
Unknown Information
- What caused Panettiere’s cardiac arrest
- What toxicology testing will show
- What happened in the hours immediately before Panettiere was found unresponsive
- What role, if any, medication found at the apartment played in her death
- Whether investigators have identified any specific individual as a suspect
Has Brian Hickerson Been Named a Suspect?
No. As of the latest available information, Brian Hickerson has not been named a suspect in the investigation into Hayden Panettiere’s death.
It is important for readers to understand that being interviewed by investigators or meeting with law enforcement does not automatically mean someone is a suspect. Investigations often involve interviews with people who may have relevant information, including witnesses, family members, and associates of the deceased.
Hickerson’s attorney, Sloan Ellis, previously stated: “Hayden’s death remains under investigation and it is important to allow the investigation to proceed. As has been publicly reported, police confirmed there were no signs of foul play. Out of respect for Hayden’s loved ones and the ongoing investigation, there will be no further comment at this time”.
The distinction between being a person of interest, a witness, and a suspect is significant in legal terms. Authorities have not publicly characterized Hickerson’s status in the investigation beyond confirming he has been interviewed.
Who Is Brian Hickerson?
Brian Hickerson is a South Carolina native who moved to Los Angeles to pursue real estate and acting.
His relationship with Hayden Panettiere began in 2018 and continued intermittently until her death in 2026. The relationship was publicly documented and often turbulent.
Hickerson has a documented history of legal issues during his relationship with Panettiere. In 2021, he pleaded no contest to two felony counts of injuring a spouse or cohabitant and was sentenced to 45 days in jail, four years of probation, and was ordered to complete California’s 52-week Batterer Intervention Program.
In August 2026, just days before Panettiere’s death, a Los Angeles judge denied Hickerson’s petition to expunge his domestic violence convictions. During that hearing, prosecutors cited his alleged drug use and two arrests that took place in 2025.
These past legal issues are matters of public record but do not constitute evidence of wrongdoing in the current investigation into Panettiere’s death.
Hayden Panettiere and Brian Hickerson’s Relationship
Hayden Panettiere and Brian Hickerson’s relationship spanned approximately eight years, beginning in 2018 and continuing intermittently until her death.
The relationship was marked by multiple breakups and reconciliations, as well as legal issues. Hickerson was arrested multiple times on domestic violence charges involving Panettiere during their relationship.
In a 2022 interview with PEOPLE, Panettiere described that period as “a very dark and complicated time in my life,” as she was privately struggling with addiction to alcohol and opioids.
Despite the documented issues in their relationship, the pair reconnected multiple times over the years. In 2021, Hickerson said Panettiere allowed him to “make amends,” and they were photographed together multiple times in the years that followed.
Earlier in 2026, Panettiere and Hickerson were spotted together once again, arriving off a flight to Los Angeles. At the time, a source said they were just friends.
What Do We Know About the Toxicology Results?
Toxicology results in the investigation into Panettiere’s death are still pending.
According to the Greenville County Coroner’s Office, the results could take 8 to 12 weeks to be returned. This timeline is standard for comprehensive toxicology testing, which involves analyzing blood and tissue samples for the presence of various substances.
Toxicology testing can be relevant to a death investigation because it can identify whether drugs, alcohol, or medications were present in a person’s system at the time of death and whether those substances may have contributed to the cause of death.
It is important not to speculate about what toxicology results might show. The results will be released by the appropriate authorities when the testing is complete, and the official cause of death will be determined based on all available evidence.
What Authorities Have Said
Official statements from authorities have been limited, as the investigation remains ongoing.
Greenville County Coroner’s Office
The coroner’s office completed an autopsy on August 17 and stated that there were “no signs of trauma that would have contributed to the death.” The office has said the investigation “remains active and ongoing”.
Greenville Police Department
Police have stated there are no signs of foul play in Panettiere’s death. A police report described officers arriving at the scene to find EMS and firefighters performing CPR on an unresponsive female.
Attorney for Brian Hickerson
Sloan Ellis, Hickerson’s attorney, previously said: “Hayden’s death remains under investigation and it is important to allow the investigation to proceed. As has been publicly reported, police confirmed there were no signs of foul play”.
Family Statements
Panettiere’s father, Skip Panettiere, said in a statement: “It is with profound sadness that we share the tragic passing of our beloved Hayden. She was an incredible light and a force of nature who brought immeasurable love and joy to all who knew her and to the millions who watched her onscreen”.
Panettiere’s estranged mother, Lesley Vogel, has publicly questioned Hickerson’s account of what happened before her daughter’s death. Vogel told NBC News that Panettiere’s family had been trying to get Hickerson out of her daughter’s life “for quite some time”.
What Remains Unknown in the Investigation?
Several key questions remain unanswered as the investigation continues:
Final Toxicology Results
Toxicology testing is pending and could take 8 to 12 weeks to be completed. The results will help determine whether any substances were present in Panettiere’s system and whether they contributed to her death.
Official Cause of Death
The official cause of death has not been determined. The coroner’s office has stated that additional testing is needed before a determination can be made.
Official Manner of Death
The manner of death—whether natural, accidental, homicide, or undetermined—has not been officially classified.
Whether Additional Interviews Will Occur
It is unclear whether investigators will conduct additional interviews or whether further meetings with Hickerson or others are planned.
Whether Investigators Will Announce Further Findings
Authorities have not indicated when they might release additional information about the investigation.
The Role of Medication Found at the Apartment
A police report indicated that Hickerson showed officers to a “bag of medication” at the scene. What role, if any, that medication played in Panettiere’s death remains unclear.
Timeline of the Investigation
| Date | Development |
|---|---|
| August 16, 2026 | Hayden Panettiere is found unresponsive at a residence in Greenville, South Carolina. She is pronounced dead at 2:31 p.m. |
| August 16, 2026 | Panettiere’s father, Skip Panettiere, confirms her death in a statement |
| August 17, 2026 | Autopsy is completed. Coroner states there are “no signs of trauma that would have contributed to the death” |
| August 17, 2026 | Police report indicates Hickerson and his brother were at the scene |
| August 20, 2026 | Reports emerge that Hickerson was arrested twice in 2025 on drug-related charges and that prosecutors opposed his expungement request three days before Panettiere’s death |
| August 27-28, 2026 | Coroner’s office states toxicology results could take 8 to 12 weeks |
| September 9-10, 2026 | Reports confirm Hickerson has met with the DEA as part of the investigation. Sources say investigators are “zeroing in on a potential drug dealer” |
What Happens Next?
The investigation into Hayden Panettiere’s death remains ongoing, and several developments are expected in the coming weeks and months.
Toxicology results are expected to be returned within 8 to 12 weeks of the autopsy, which would place the timeline for results sometime in October or November 2026. These results will be critical in determining the official cause of death.
Investigators may issue additional statements as the investigation progresses. The DEA’s involvement suggests that federal authorities are taking an active role in the case, particularly regarding the potential identification of anyone who may have supplied substances to Panettiere.
It is not possible to predict whether arrests or charges will result from the investigation. Authorities have not indicated that any specific individual has been identified as a suspect.
The public should continue to rely on official statements from law enforcement and the coroner’s office for accurate information about the investigation. Speculation about the outcome should be avoided until authorities release their findings.
Brian Hickerson DEA Meeting FAQs
Why did Brian Hickerson meet with the DEA?
Hickerson met with the DEA as part of the ongoing investigation into Hayden Panettiere’s death, according to sources cited by TMZ. The DEA is reportedly involved in efforts to identify anyone who may have supplied Panettiere with substances.
Is Brian Hickerson a suspect?
No. Hickerson has not been named a suspect in the investigation into Panettiere’s death. A meeting with investigators does not, by itself, indicate criminal wrongdoing.
Why is the DEA involved in the investigation?
The DEA is participating in the investigation alongside the Greenville County Coroner’s Office and the Greenville Police Department. Sources indicate investigators are focusing on identifying a potential drug dealer who may have supplied Panettiere with substances.
What happened to Hayden Panettiere?
Hayden Panettiere was found unresponsive at a residence in Greenville, South Carolina, on August 16, 2026. She was in cardiac arrest and was pronounced dead at 2:31 p.m. despite lifesaving efforts. An autopsy found no signs of trauma that contributed to her death.
Are toxicology results available?
No. Toxicology results are still pending and could take 8 to 12 weeks to be returned, according to the Greenville County Coroner’s Office.
Is the investigation still ongoing?
Yes. The investigation into Panettiere’s death remains active and ongoing. Multiple agencies, including the DEA, Greenville County Coroner’s Office, and Greenville Police Department, are involved.
What is Brian Hickerson’s relationship with Hayden Panettiere?
Brian Hickerson was Hayden Panettiere’s on-again, off-again boyfriend. Their relationship began in 2018 and continued intermittently until her death in 2026. The relationship was publicly documented and included periods of legal issues related to domestic violence.