Hayden Panettiere’s mother has revealed that their final phone call ended with a painful ultimatum involving the actress’ on-again, off-again boyfriend, Brian Hickerson. Lesley Vogel said she told her daughter that they could not maintain a relationship if Panettiere decided to stay with Hickerson. The decision, which Vogel said she made at the recommendation of her therapist, resulted in the mother and daughter remaining estranged during the final months of Panettiere’s life.
During an appearance on “Good Morning America,” Vogel explained why she felt she needed to step away from her daughter. “I needed it. I needed to have that pocket of time,” Vogel said of removing Panettiere from her life. “Of course, I thought it was gonna be a pocket of time.”
The “Heroes” actress died on August 16 at age 36. Vogel admitted she never imagined their time apart would become permanent. “I did not by any stretch of the imagination think this was gonna happen to Hayden,” Vogel continued. “I don’t know why. I just didn’t. Maybe I didn’t want to.”
Vogel previously confirmed that she and Panettiere were not communicating during the final months of the actress’ life.
Hayden Panettiere Allegedly Wanted To Leave Brian Hickerson
Vogel recalled staying with her daughter approximately one year before Panettiere’s death. During that time, she claimed the “Nashville” star wanted to end her relationship with Hickerson permanently. “She knew that Brian was toxic,” Vogel said. “She knew she had to get him out of her life.” However, Vogel claimed Panettiere began pulling away after approximately six weeks. The actress’ mother then returned home to Florida.
Panettiere later called Vogel and revealed that she had reconciled with Hickerson. “When I got the phone call from her saying I’m going to be with the person I love… I just lost it,” Vogel shared. “I could not believe she had gone that far back, that he had been successful in reeling her back in with all the things he had done to her.”
That conversation became the final phone call between the mother and daughter.
Brian Hickerson Was Present When Panettiere Died
Panettiere was found unresponsive at a residence in Greenville, South Carolina.
A police report said Brian and his brother, Zach Hickerson, were present when emergency personnel arrived. First responders attempted to revive Panettiere before she was pronounced dead. According to the report, Brian “did not become emotional” until emergency personnel officially declared her dead. He also showed officers a “bag of medication” that Panettiere had reportedly been taking.
Emergency dispatch audio referenced a possible “overdose,” but authorities have not confirmed that drugs caused or contributed to her death. The Greenville County Coroner’s Office said an autopsy found no signs of trauma that contributed to Panettiere’s death. Police also said the preliminary investigation uncovered no evidence of foul play or suspicious circumstances.
Her official cause and manner of death remain undetermined pending further testing.
Hayden Panettiere’s Mother Publicly Criticizes Hickerson
Vogel has been outspoken about Hickerson since her daughter’s death. “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. She also alleged that Hickerson pawned some of Panettiere’s belongings, including a vintage guitar, and kept other possessions in a storage unit.
Those accusations are Vogel’s claims and have not been established as part of the official investigation.
Hickerson has not been accused by authorities of causing or contributing to Panettiere’s death
Brian Hickerson Responds Through His Attorney
Hickerson released a statement through his attorney, Sloan Ellis, as scrutiny surrounding his relationship with Panettiere intensified. “Hayden’s death remains under investigation, and it is important to allow that investigation to proceed,” Ellis said.
“As has been publicly reported, police confirmed there were no signs of foul play,” the statement continued. “Out of respect for Hayden’s loved ones and the ongoing investigation, there will be no further comment at this time.”
Hickerson and Panettiere began dating in 2018. Their relationship was marked by several domestic violence cases. He was arrested on a felony domestic violence charge in May 2019 following an alleged altercation with Panettiere. That case was dismissed in September 2019.
Hickerson was arrested again in February 2020 after another alleged dispute involving the actress. In April 2021, he pleaded no contest to two felony counts of injuring a spouse or girlfriend. He was sentenced to 45 days in county jail, four years of probation, 52 domestic violence classes, and a $500 fee.
He also received a five-year restraining order barring him from going near Panettiere.
