Brian Hickerson's attorney issues statement after Hayden Panettiere's death - ABC7 Los Angeles

Brian Hickerson's attorney issued a statement following the death of actress Hayden Panettiere, urging patience as the investigation continues and noting that police confirmed there were no signs of foul play.

Hickerson, Panettiere's on-again, off-again boyfriend, was reportedly with the actress at the time of her death, according to a police report obtained by ABC News; the attorney said there would be no further comment out of respect for her loved ones and the ongoing probe.

Panettiere, recognized for roles in "Ice Princess," "Nashville," and "Heroes," died on Aug. 16 at age 36. The Drug Enforcement Agency has reportedly joined the investigation into her death.

Panettiere and Hickerson began dating in late summer 2018, after her split from then-fiancé Wladimir Klitschko, with whom she shares a daughter, Kaya.

In a 2020 statement to "Good Morning America," Panettiere spoke publicly about Hickerson's alleged domestic abuse, saying she hoped her story would empower others in abusive relationships to seek help.

Hickerson pleaded no contest to two felony counts of injuring a spouse or girlfriend in April 2021, and a California judge denied his request to reduce those convictions to misdemeanors and expunge the case on Aug. 13, 2026.