Hayden Panettiere’s Boyfriend Meets With DEA Amid Ongoing Investigation

Brian Hickerson, the boyfriend of the late actress Hayden Panettiere, has met with the Drug Enforcement Administration as investigators continue to probe the circumstances surrounding her sudden death at age 36. A source close to the investigation confirmed to People that Hickerson, who had an on-again, off-again relationship with the star, met with DEA officials as part of a broader effort to determine the events leading up to her passing.

While the investigation remains active, toxicology results are still pending. Panettiere was discovered unresponsive at a residence in Greenville, South Carolina, on Sunday, August 16. First responders were called to the scene, but she was later pronounced dead. Greenville County Coroner Mike Ellis noted that there were no immediate signs of trauma contributing to her death, which was initially described as a case of cardiac arrest.

Investigation Into Potential Drug Involvement

Reports suggest that authorities are actively searching for an individual who may have supplied drugs to Panettiere prior to her death. Sources indicate that investigators are currently “zeroing in on a potential drug dealer” as they work to piece together the final hours of the actress’s life. Despite the intensity of the investigation, Hickerson has not been named a suspect. His attorney, Sloan Ellis, has declined to provide specific comments, emphasizing the importance of allowing the official investigation to proceed without interference.

Panettiere’s family announced her passing in a heartfelt statement, with her father, Alan “Skip” Panettiere, remembering her as an “incredible light and a force of nature.” The actress is survived by her 11-year-old daughter, Kaya, whom she shared with her former fiancé, Wladimir Klitschko. As the community and fans await further updates, the focus remains on the ongoing toxicology reports and the DEA’s search for answers regarding the potential involvement of a third party.