Hayden Panettiere’s Mother Speaks Out After Actress’s Death, Raises Concerns About Ex Brian Hickerson

Hayden Panettiere’s mother, Lesley Vogel, has spoken publicly about her daughter’s death, expressing grief while also raising concerns about Brian Hickerson, Panettiere’s former boyfriend who was with her when she died.

Panettiere, known for roles in “Heroes” and “Nashville,” died on Sunday, Aug. 16, at the age of 36. Her death was confirmed by her family, who asked for privacy as they mourned.

Speaking to NBC News, Vogel said Hickerson had been a source of concern for the family for years.

“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. She alleged that Hickerson had enabled Panettiere’s struggles in the past, which she said was why she and Panettiere’s father had been worried about his presence in their daughter’s life.

Panettiere and Hickerson were in an on-and-off relationship from 2018 to 2022. During their relationship, Hickerson faced multiple arrests related to domestic violence allegations involving Panettiere. In 2021, he was sentenced to 45 days in jail and four years of probation and was ordered to stay away from Panettiere for five years.

Panettiere later described the relationship in her memoir, “This Is Me: A Reckoning.” She alleged that Hickerson physically abused her and said the injuries were sometimes so severe that she stayed inside her home for weeks. She also said she had been reluctant to report the incidents publicly.

Hickerson has previously addressed the allegations. Earlier this year, while discussing Panettiere’s memoir with TMZ, he referred to the section about their relationship and said, “Everybody should read it.” He also criticized Vogel, calling her one of the worst people he had ever met.

Authorities are investigating the circumstances surrounding Panettiere’s death. According to 911 call records obtained by PEOPLE, she suffered an apparent overdose. Hickerson and his brother, Zach, were reportedly present when she died. Hickerson also showed police a bag of medication that Panettiere had been taking.

Vogel also reflected on her daughter’s life and career, saying that growing up in the entertainment industry can be particularly difficult for young performers.

“I think Hayden was an amazingly talented person in so many departments,” Vogel said. “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.”

Vogel became emotional while discussing the loss of her son, Jansen Panettiere, who died in 2023. She said she believed Hayden and her brother were now together and at peace.

“I just feel that she’s with her brother and they’re at peace,” she said.

Panettiere had spoken openly in recent years about her complicated relationship with her mother. She recalled that, at age 19, she told Vogel she no longer wanted her mother to manage her professionally because she wanted to have a relationship with her simply as her mother.

According to Panettiere, Vogel responded, “You owe me.”

Panettiere said she later realized her mother was referring to money, something she described as deeply painful. She also recalled being frightened of her mother during childhood and said Vogel had been demanding when she began auditioning at just 4 years old.

The two women eventually became estranged. Vogel later defended her decision to cut contact, saying she had followed the advice of professionals after years of conflict. She also criticized Panettiere’s memoir, suggesting that some of the family drama was being used to promote the book.

Despite their difficult relationship, Vogel’s latest comments focused largely on her daughter’s talents and the tragedy of her death.

“Sadly, this is out of our control,” Vogel previously said. “You cannot save someone who does not want to be saved.”

Panettiere’s family described her as “an incredible light and a force of nature” who brought love and joy to those around her.

The investigation into her death remains ongoing, and authorities have not publicly determined the final cause of death.