Hayden Panettiere’s sudden death sparked accusations and painful questions about what happened in her final hours.
Now, her boyfriend’s brother has revealed his account of what unfolded inside the Airbnb where the actress was found unresponsive on Aug. 16.
In a lengthy statement to TMZ, Zach Hickerson pushed back against speculation surrounding Panettiere’s death, saying the truth would emerge as authorities completed their investigation. He said he wanted to clarify his involvement while allowing her loved ones to grieve without misinformation and added scrutiny.
"On Sunday morning, I woke up at my Airbnb, got dressed and went to Church. I exchanged messages that morning with Brian on my way," he told the outlet. "We planned on us all getting lunch and playing indoor golf after the service."
"When I left church, I called and texted both of them," Zach said. "When I didn’t reach Brian or Hayden, I just assumed maybe they fell back asleep, so I drove over and went to the Airbnb. When I got there, I knew the code to the building but not the door code to the AirBnb."
"I knocked loudly, which apparently woke Brian up from a nap they were both taking on the pullout couch bed in the living room," he said. "When we went in and tried to wake Hayden up for lunch, we realized she was unconscious."
"I immediately called 911 and Brian gave her Narcan," Zach said. "We then jointly performed CPR while 911 was on speaker until Fire and EMS arrived. At that point, we watched as they tried every measure possible to save her life. I am beyond heartbroken and devastated by this tragic and traumatic loss. Hayden was one of my dearest and closest friends that I loved and cared about for the last 8 years."
"Out of respect for her loved ones, the speculation and sensationalism of her death needs to end until the facts can be released from the investigation."
Brian Hickerson offered fewer details in his own statement, given to Fox News Digital through his lawyer, instead pointing to the ongoing investigation into Panettiere’s death.
"Hayden’s death remains under investigation, and it is important to allow that investigation to proceed. As has been publicly reported, police confirmed there were no signs of foul play," the statement said.
"Out of respect for Hayden’s loved ones and the ongoing investigation, there will be no further comment at this time."
Both statements came after Panettiere’s mother, Lesley Vogel, publicly raised questions about Brian’s role in her daughter’s life and death.
"Although my daughter and I were estranged, it was not for lack of care or love," she said in a statement to Entertainment Tonight. "It was due to the involvement of a toxic individual who I believe led to her death."
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"Hayden was a beautiful and talented young woman who unfortunately became involved with the wrong person, and although her family tried to extricate him from her life, we were unable to be successful."
Fox News has learned the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) has been contacted and is assisting with the investigation.
"It leads me to believe there are still questions surrounding what happened," Vogel told ET about the DEA's involvement in the investigation. "And I think we are all looking for answers."
Panettiere's mom publicly blamed Brian in the days following her daughter's death.
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"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 told NBC News.
Brian was among those at the residence where Panettiere was found unresponsive, according to the police report obtained by Fox News Digital. The couple's relationship had previously led to domestic violence charges against Brian and his eventual conviction.
The police report said Zach appeared "very emotional" while paramedics worked to revive Panettiere. Meanwhile, Brian did not become emotional until the "Ice Princess" star was declared deceased.
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Panettiere would have turned 37 today — just five days after the "Heroes" and "Nashville" star died.
Her former fiancé and the father of her daughter, Wladimir Klitschko, shared a tribute on Instagram.
"I want to thank all of Hayden’s fans, friends, and everyone who has reached out for the incredible outpouring of love and support," he wrote. "At a time filled with so much sadness, your kindness has reminded me that there is still so much good in humanity. If you’re reading this, I ask just one thing: even if only for a moment, think about LOVE. Reach out to a friend. Forgive someone. Be kind."
"Love is a superpower. Use it."
