Hayden Panettiere dies aged 36: Ex Brian Hickerson at scene when she died as mum breaks silence

[Hayden Panettiere]

Hayden was in the industry for decades(Image: Image Press Agency/NurPhoto/Shutterstock)

Hayden previously spoke of suffering over 20 years of pain following a painful accident on the set of a movie.

The star began her career as an infant, going from adverts to roles in soap operas including One Life To Live and Guiding Light.

When she was 14, she landed a part in Racing Stripes - a 2005 movie about a zebra who believes hes a racehorse, and dreams of competing in a race. In preparation, she spent weeks learning to ride a zebra, and undertook all her own stunts.

However, reflecting on the experience in her memoir, This Is Me: A Reckoning, she recalled the moment she was thrown from the animal - injuring two vertebrae in her neck and suffering a concussion after the incident.

I kept my mouth shut and endured the pain in my back and neck, she wrote, via Entertainment Weekly. Over 20 years later, these injuries still bother me.

[Mariska Hargitay and Hayden Panettiere]

Mariska Hargitay paid tribute with a throwback snap(Image: therealmariskahargitay/Instagram )

Mariska Hargitay has joined the many stars paying tribute to Hayden on social media.

The pair shared the screen together in Law & Order: SVU in 2001 and then again in 2005.

Alongside a black and white screenshot of the pair embracing on set, the Olivia Benson actress wrote: Holding you in my heart. Heartbroken about your hard journey. Remembering your light.

Brian Hickersons brother, Zach, reportedly found Hayden unresponsive in her home, it has been claimed.

Insiders have shared with TMZ that both Hayden and Brian were at the property in South Carolina at the time, with the latter said to be asleep in another room.

They claimed that Zach arrived and found the actress in a chair in the living room. Both brothers then raised the alarm and first responders arrived on the scene at around 1:50pm, but she could not be revived.

In her latest Instagram post American YouTuber Ricky Dillon took to the comments to share his heartbreak. He wrote: "This still doesnt feel real. Thank you so much for bringing so much life and love into Claire and Sam. Heroes and Until Dawn both mean so much to me and youre such a huge reason why ill cherish Until Dawn especially for the rest of my life. May you rest peacefully."

Paramount Plus Mexico took to Instagram to share a tribute following her tragic death. It reads: "Hayden Panettiere, an actress whose talent will remain in the memory of her fans. Thank you for being Kirby Reed."

Childhood friend and Princess Diaries star Heather Matarazzo shared a tribtue to Hayden Panettiere. She said on Instagram: "Devastated We first met on the LIRR traveling to NYC for auditions when we were both kids. Every time our paths crossed, my heart always filled up.

"She was special. She was a Sprite of a being and such a talent. Truly a light.. Love you, Hayden."

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Back in 2005, Hayden Panettiere starred in Ice Princess alongside Michelle Trachtenberg. In February 2025, Michelle died aged 39, while Panettiere died on 16 August aged 36.

Tim Fywell, the director of the figure skating film, said to Variety: It was really upsetting to hear yesterday of the death of Hayden Panettiere at the age of 36.

I remember a brave, sparky, dedicated young actress who lit up the set in rehearsals and then the screen with her vibrant talent. Michelle Trachtenberg, Haydens co-star in the movie, and she were an amazing pair.

He added that the two actresses had "very different personalities" with Michelle being "kooky, fun, with an infectious laugh and her brilliant sad-funny comic timing" while Hayden was plucky and determined and perfectionist, spending hours practicing her skating and utterly focused on getting every acting take spot-on and truthful. Which she did.

He finished: I remember them both with huge affection, how they were 20 odd years ago, at that relatively uncomplicated time of their lives, two shining talents, gone far too soon.

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(Image: Rafy/Walt Disney/Kobal/Shutterstock)

Panettiere used to be the face of skincare brand Neutrogena. But she and the brand parted ways after years of working together, with the actress claiming it was because she had spoken about her battle with postpartum depression.

Panettiere claimed the brand wanted to fire her over the comments, but her agent got them to wait and instead they cut her loose when her contract expired.

Fans have brought up the situation again in the comments of Neutrogena's social media posts. One said: "So @neutrogena wanna tell us what's wrong with post partum depression?"

Another told fellow fans to "boycott" the brand.

The Mirror went to Neutrogena's parent company Kenvue for comment.

Joseph Mazzello, who starred alongside Panettiere in Raising Helen, said: I was kind of at a low point in my career, having to prove myself again as a young adult, so I took a small role in the movie Raising Helen because of the legendary director Gary Marshall. The role got even smaller cause my main scene was cut out of the script for being too similar to another comedy at the time, but I still did it even though I felt kind of down about myself for it.

My first day I was sitting alone at lunch and a 13 year old Hayden Panettiere came and sat down next to me and exclaimed, What the f*** are you doing here? I didnt know what she meant exactly so I stammered. She then said Youre so talented and do so much amazing work, why are you doing this bit part in this movie?'

"The truth was because this business is tough, but that little exchange made me feel so much better about my life and career, that someone who was clearly a rising star knew me, noticed, and gave me a boost of self confidence in a moment I was severely lacking it.

We didnt stay in touch much. I only saw her one other time after that movie, but I always was happy every time I saw her succeed. SHE was so talented. SHE did such amazing work. Im so sad we wont see more of it. My heart goes out to Hayden and her family.

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(Image: Pacific Press/LightRocket via Getty Images)

Two weeks before she died, Hayden Panettiere filmed her final onscreen work. She filmed a new ad for animal charity PETA, where she posed in a bathtub to campaign against whales and dolphins being confined to shallow lagoons.

Hayden Panettiere became a household name playing a hero on TV, but in real life she was a hero to animals," PETA wrote when they shared the ad.

"Just two weeks before her passing, the actor confined herself to a bathtub for a campaign protesting marine parks like SeaWorld. You can hear the emotion in her voice as she urges others to stand with her and help end this cruelty. Honor Haydens legacy. Continue her fight. Never buy a ticket to a marine park.

They shared another post about her shoot where thye said it was "one of the last acts of her short impactful life".

According to the police report, responding officers were shown a bag of medication that Panettiere was taking by ex Brian Hickerson.

They had come to the property after being called when Panettiere went into cardiac arrest. She was pronounced dead at the scene.

It's not known what medication was in the bag.

Solange Knowles, the sister of Beyonce, co-stared in Bring It On: All Or Nothing with Panettiere. She shared a still from the film to Instagram and said: We had so many parallels in our lives, and the world watched u so courageously live in your radical truth telling your story.

"We watched your endless quest for vulnerability, and healing. I salute your jouney and I honour the work we created together that became something that really means something to people... reaching people we couldn't have ever imagined at the time, as two young girls, trying to keeo looking to the light.

"The light surrounds you now. Rest easy, Hayden.

Hilary Duff has shared a tribute to Hayden Panettiere on Instagram: Sweet Hayden. Really tough hearing this news. We lost touch through the years but I will always remember you as so hardworking and effervescent, with that big, gorgeous smile.

I remember staying up late, chatting and gossiping, and connecting because we were part of such a small sliver of people who actually understood the strange lot in life we were navigating.. so young, with no real idea how to make sense of any of it.

I so deeply wish this wasnt the end for you. Sending a heart full of love to your family, the many people you impacted and everyone who loved you. rest easy.

Charles Esten - who starred alongside Hayden in Nashville - has paid a heartfelt tribute to Hayden

"Patty and I are stunned and saddened at the loss of our dear and beautiful friend Hayden. I will never forget the first time I met her," he wrote.

"In a sound stage office in Hollywood, I was finishing up my very first NASHVILLE audition. I had read two Deacon scenes before pulling out my guitar and singing two songs. I said my goodbyes and, hoping Id done well, went to open the door to leave. Instead of swinging all the way out, the door bumped into somebody. Kinda hard.

"To my complete surprise, It was Hayden Paniettiere, who - in full Juliette Barnes mode - had been listening with her ear to the door. Instead of looking even a little bit caught, her face instantly bloomed into the most beautiful smile. Eyes twinkling, she clapped her hands and said, 'That was so good!!' I can promise you that in that moment, there was nothing in the world I needed to hear more than that."

Panettiere's former Scream co-star Melissa Barrera has paid tribute to the late actress, sharing a statement with USA Today about how 'lucky' she was to know her.

Barrera said: I feel so incredibly lucky that I got to grow up watching [Hayden] and admiring her, and that I got to know her and share the screen with her. She will always be an icon in my book.

Her strength and her light, despite everything she went through, were so evident and will always stay with me.

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Barrera, who was axed from the horror series after speaking out for Palestinian rights, added: I am forever grateful to her because she showed up for me when no one else did. That was just the kind of person she was: A rare, honest, badass who felt so deeply. Such a heart-shattering loss."

Panettiere had previously told The Messenger that she thought it was "very unfair and upsetting" that Barrera was fired. After her, then a whole bunch of other actors and people in the industry started to do the same thing, right? she said. It was almost like she just did it earlier than everyone else.

Michelle Rodriguez, who co-hosted the 2010 World Music Awards with Nashville star Panettiere, told Variety: "Her curious spirit and how happy and joyous she is, because thats her memory, right?

Ive got to tell you, man, I just cant stand how many young people are leaving us lately, Rodriguez added. Its disheartening, and its making me think, Whats going on? Its not normal.

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Hayden Panettiere's body is set to be released back to her parents, who have been notificed by the coroner's office.

A representative for the Greenville County Coroner's Office revealed the update to TMZ, but confirmed her family has yet to choose a funeral home and so her body will remain at the coroner's office for now.

It was also confirmed that her autopsy was completed on Monday, and toxicology reports are ongoing, with the results set to be revealed in 8-12 weeks. Her cause and manner of death is still pending.

Justin Chatwin who appeared alongside Panettiere in Heroes and in the psychological thriller Sleepwalker which was filmed in 2025, has revealed that he thought she was 'struggling' while they worked together last summer.

Speaking to People Magazine, Justin said: "We hit it off great and it was an awesome shoot, but it was about domestic abuse and it was subject matter that may have hit close to home, because she did mention it. She opened up to me about a lot of things."

He added that he could see she was struggling: "I could tell she was struggling, and I was like, I dont think its this movie. Theres a handful of women that Ive worked with that I really liked, and I really loved working with her, but I also know that she was really lonely."

Justin also commented that she had changed from the teen he knew on Heroes: "Hayden seemed different when I met her this time than when I met her in the early years." He added: Ive been sober for 15 years, so I know this world of addiction, and Hollywood it takes, and it takes from youth."

Vineet Dewan, a director who worked with Panettiere on Heroes has remembered the star as 'radiant' and reflected on how tough Hollywood can be.

"I dont usually post things like this but I met Hayden when I was the NBC Director Trainee on Heroes back in 2007 and 2008. She was 19. Radiant. Incredibly sweet. She had such a presence and glow I never forgot it. They were shooting multiple episodes at the same time and I recall how she bounced happily from one set to another and nailed every take like a pro.

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Vineet shared a tribute to Panettiere(Image: vineetdewan/Instagram)

"I remember her between scenes, headphones on, listening over and over to a song I happened to be obsessed with at the time too: Imogen Heaps 'Hide and Seek.' If you recall her character on Heroes - the cheerleader who could heal herself no matter what happened to her - knowing how many times Hayden had to pick herself back up in real life makes her story particularly sad.

"Hollywood can be a ruthless and uncaring place - and today, Imogen Heaps lyrics feel especially pointed. RIP."

Sendhil Ramamurthy, who played geneticist Mohinder Suresh in Heroes, has shared a moving tribute to Panettiere as he reveals she was 'so generous' with her time, and a complete 'pro' who stuck up for background actors who were 'mistreated'.

"This is such a rough one. The 1st time I met Hayden was at the final screen test for Heroes. I was so nervous I was sweating through my shirt b4 I even got there. I went straight to the bathroom to compose myself and then went to sign in, expecting to find a bunch of fellow nervous-as-hell actors. Instead I found Hayden belting show tunes in the waiting room. Not a nerve in sight. I had to leave immediately. I spent the rest of the time in the hallway sweating. Hayden was already a pro. I was nearly twice her age and she had 3x as much experience.

"I leanred a lot from her. She stuck up for background actors when they were mistreated, knew every crew members name, and was so generous with her time. Then there was me and Adrian Pasdar, being the responsible adults we are, going to the studio school room where Hayd had to go to class in between set ups, and coming up with excuses to try and boost her out of class.

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Sendhil Ramamurthy paid tribute to Hayden(Image: sendhil_rama/Instagram)

He continued: "The above pic was taken in Vegas the day after the Golden Globes. We had to do press and I wasnt feeling well. Hayd kept going on and on at me about drinking fluids and made sure I had plenty of Gatorade.

"Thats how I will remember her: a kind, joyful, professional, s***talker, who even at a young age, understood the importance of hydration. Sending love to her family, friends, and my fellow cast mates, RIP Hayd. You will be missed."

Muniz wrote on Instagram: "Very sad to hear about Hayden. I got to work with her on many projects and always had an absolutely great time with her.

He concluded: I have so many amazing stories and memories with her. I hope she rests in peace."

The legendary Nashville Bluebird cafe paid tribute on Instagram. Alongside an image of Panettiere, they wrote: "Rest in Peace, Hayden Panettiere. She was a spark; funny, incredibly talented, beautiful.

"Nashville brought her to us at The Bluebird, and she became part of our family through that. We are heartbroken hearing the news of her passing and we join with her family, friends and colleagues in mourning her loss."

Hayden opened up about finding her memoir process healing in her last public appearance before her death.

The actress took part in a panel discussion in West Hollywood on May 26, where Page Six reports that she promoted her book, This Is Me: A Reckoning.

According to the outlet, she told the crowd: So many people have come up to me within the industry and outside of the industry and shared their stories with me and said, Because youve talked about your mental health, it gave me the courage to be honest about mine and get myself help, and you saved my life.

And I was like, this is worth it.

I can hopefully leave the world a better place than I found it. The strength is in our vulnerability.

USA Today reports that the management team at Haydens apartment complex released a statement to residents following her death.

The message from Judson Mill Lofts, via the Greenville News, reportedly reads: "We understand that a visible emergency and law enforcement response can be unsettling, and we appreciate your patience, discretion and understanding.

They advised other residents not to speak to the media, adding that there was no threat to the community.

[Hayden Panettiere and Paris Hilton]

Paris shared a heartfelt tribute on social media(Image: WireImage)

Paris Hilton reflected on her friendship with Hayden in a heartfelt post on Instagram.

Tthe Simple Life star posted a string of photos from their time together, including pictures from fun nights out.

"Heartbroken over the loss of my friend Hayden," she wrote. "She was such a beautiful soul so talented, strong, kind and full of so much love and light. Its impossible to believe shes gone.

[Hayden Panettiere and Paris Hilton]

Hayden Panettiere and Paris Hilton were close friends(Image: WireImage)

"Ill always cherish our friendship, all the memories we shared, and the special moments we had together. My heart is with her family and everyone who loved her during this unimaginable time."

She concluded the tribute: "Love you forever, Hayden. Rest in peace, angel. You will be so deeply missed."

Sylvia Jefferies, who starred on Nashville with Hayden, shared a lengthy tribute on her social media page overnight. She began: This hits deep. Ive had to take the day to let the idea that Hayden is not with us, wash over me.

I shoot straight from the hip. At times, Hayden was not easy to be around. I remember calling her a downright tornado. But she was our tornado. The sun that appears, the light mist that begins, the rain that gets heavier, the swirling of everything around her, and then the gentle tapering rain returns, along with the calm and sun and light in her eyes, and the giggle in her voice.

She had an incredibly bright future ahead of her, although her inner demons were at times too much to bear. I pause as I reflect on her, looking at photos, remembering scenes, listening to voicemails, and remembering the first time she called me Mama while she shared stories of her youth.

We seemed far apart, but we were very close in our hearts. Our birthdays even being one week apart. 20years (!) and one week apart.

We reconnected a few months ago after I read her memoir, and had plans to see each other when she was passing through again. Hopefully surprising Deacon @charlesesten at his show on my birthday in Greenville, she continued.

I was so proud of her for sharing the real Hayden, something that had to be excruciatingly painful for such a gentle soul. Our hearts are shattered, knowing that you are not just a phone call or text away, but we can rest easy knowing that youre at peace, with your brother, dancing in that water with the dolphins for whom you cared so dearly.

I love you, sweet girl. Always, in all ways. Love, Mama.

Gayle King has said she believed Panettiere was in a "good place" before her death. King interviewed Panettiere on CBS Mornings to promote her tell-all memoir, This Is Me: A Reckoning, just months before she died.

"I felt so, so sad. It was hard when she was here that day. When she was here in the studio that day, and I was talking to her off-camera, she was saying she felt that she was in a good place," she reflected on CBS Mornings.

She added: "Her daughter meant everything to her, and giving up [custody of] her daughter to her dad was one of the hardest things, but she thought that was what was best for her daughter. But she was still, clearly still struggling. To wake up to hear this news was really tough."