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The tragic death of Hayden Panettiere has led to widespread scrutiny about her tumultuous relationship with Brian Hickerson.
Hickerson was arrested for assaulting Panettiere on two separate occasions. He pleaded no contest to felony charges involving Panettiere in 2021.
Though both parties claimed that they had broken up, but Hayden was with Brian and his brother, Zach Hickerson, at the time of her death.
Now, a new report claims that Hayden and Zach once had an affair.
According to Radar Online, the two were romantically linked while Brian was behind bars following his 2020 arrest for allegedly assaulting the actress. The alleged relationship added another layer to an already complicated situation involving the Heroes star and the Hickerson family.
Now, years later, both brothers were reportedly with Panettiere when she suffered a fatal medical emergency.
Panettiere was found unresponsive at an apartment in Greenville, South Carolina, on August 16.
According to a police report obtained by multiple outlets, Brian and Zach were at the residence when emergency responders arrived. Paramedics attempted to revive the actress, but she was pronounced dead at the scene.
The circumstances surrounding Panettiere’s death remain under investigation.
An autopsy reportedly found no signs of trauma, and authorities have said there is currently no evidence of foul play. Toxicology results are still pending, meaning an official cause of death has not yet been determined.
Panettiere’s relationship with Brian had been notoriously turbulent.
The couple began dating in 2018, and their romance was marred by multiple domestic violence incidents. Brian was arrested in 2020 after an alleged altercation involving Hayden and was placed under a five-year protective order.
Despite their troubled history, Hayden and Brian remained connected over the years.
The actress had previously spoken publicly about their relationship and her decision to forgive him, while also describing the abuse she endured.
She later discussed their complicated history in her memoir, This Is Me: A Reckoning.
The revelation about Zach adds another stunning chapter to Panettiere’s relationship history — particularly given that both brothers were reportedly present during the actress’ final moments.
Brian’s attorney has urged people not to speculate about Panettiere’s death while authorities continue their investigation.
For now, many questions surrounding the actress’ final days remain unanswered.
We will have further updates on this developing story as new information becomes available.