Hayden Panettiere’s mother is raising serious questions about the circumstances surrounding her daughter’s death — but investigators have yet to determine what happened.
Lesley Vogel, 70, told the Daily Mail that she believes Hayden’s former boyfriend, Brian Hickerson, may have played a role in her death after the actress was found unresponsive at a South Carolina residence on August 16.
According to Vogel, an officer at the scene asked what she thought of Hickerson. Her alleged response was blunt: “I think he’s culpable.”
Panettiere was found unresponsive by Hickerson and his brother, Zach Hickerson. Emergency responders reportedly attempted life-saving measures, while Narcan was found at the residence.
A coroner’s office said an autopsy found “no signs of trauma that would have contributed” to Panettiere’s death.
However, the cause and manner of death remain pending further investigation and additional testing.
Zach has publicly pushed back against speculation surrounding the actress’ final hours.
He said he and Brian discovered Panettiere unconscious, called 911, administered Narcan and performed CPR until emergency crews arrived.
“There are a lot of assumptions, speculations and accusations currently swirling,” Zach told TMZ. “The truth will come out as the authorities complete and release additional details from the investigation.”
Vogel, however, questioned parts of that account and suggested there could be discrepancies in the timeline.
“I think there will be a discrepancy in the timeline, meaning Brian had to go out and buy the Narcan while he left her there because I do not believe he happened to have two bottles of Narcan on him, like he carried them around in his back pocket,” she alleged.
She added, “I think Brian called his brother. My opinion. I think he knew she was deceased.”
Hickerson has not publicly responded to Vogel’s allegations.
The DEA is reportedly investigating Panettiere’s death, while authorities have not announced a final cause or manner of death.
2026-08-23 12:51:00
