Hayden Panettiere’s mother, Lesley Vogel, is speaking publicly about her daughter’s death for the first time, and she is directing some of her strongest words toward the actress’ on-again, off-again boyfriend, Brian Hickerson. Vogel reflected on the pressure Panettiere experienced after entering the entertainment industry as an infant, while acknowledging that her daughter had struggled to find a healthier path.
She also said she takes comfort in believing Panettiere has reunited with her younger brother, Jansen, who died in 2023. “I think Hayden was an amazingly talented person in so many departments and I think young people who grow up in the entertainment industry, it is a struggle and it’s a very challenging industry and it’s not unusual for them to sadly find the wrong path,” Vogel told NBC News.
Panettiere died Sunday, August 16, at the age of 36 after being found unresponsive inside a residence in Greenville, South Carolina. As her family continues processing the loss, Vogel said she finds some solace in imagining her two children together again.
Jansen Panettiere died at 28 in February 2023 due to cardiomegaly and aortic valve complications. “I just feel that she’s with her brother and they’re at peace,” Vogel said.
Panettiere had been open about the profound grief she experienced following her younger brother’s death. Now, her mother is using that close relationship to find comfort amid another devastating loss.
Vogel’s statement also addressed the challenges that followed Panettiere throughout her life, including growing up onscreen, addiction and the family conflicts described in her recently released memoir.
Hayden Panettiere’s Mom Blasts Brian Hickerson
Vogel also criticized Hickerson, who was reportedly at the residence where Panettiere died. “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 said.
The statement makes clear that Vogel and other members of Panettiere’s family objected to Hickerson’s continued presence in the actress’ life. However, authorities have not accused Hickerson of causing her death or announced any finding of foul play.
According to a Greenville City Police Department incident report, officials spoke with Hickerson and his brother, Zach, at the scene. The responding officer documented their behavior while emergency personnel attempted to revive Panettiere.
“After EMS officially declared Hayden deceased, I escorted Zach and Brian out of the apartment,” the police report stated. “I observed Zach to be very emotional while EMS were working on Hayden. Brian did not become emotional until EMS declared her officially deceased.”
The officer’s account describes the behavior witnessed at the residence but does not allege criminal conduct by either man.
Hayden And Her Mother Were Estranged Before Her Death
Vogel’s statement comes after months of public tension surrounding her relationship with Panettiere. In her May 2026 memoir, “This Is Me: A Reckoning,” the actress discussed how Vogel’s roles as her mother and manager became increasingly difficult to separate.
Panettiere began acting at just 8 months old, with Vogel managing her career throughout much of her childhood. As she grew older, the actress said their relationship became dominated by professional responsibilities instead of a traditional mother-daughter dynamic.
“Everything was business,” Panettiere recalled during a May appearance on “On Purpose with Jay Shetty.” “I became the confidant and the assistant and the therapist and the shoulder to cry on and everything but her child.”
Panettiere said she attempted to change the relationship at age 19 while working on “Heroes.” “I said to her, ‘I don’t want us to work together anymore. I just want you to be my mom,’ ” she recalled.
According to Panettiere, Vogel responded, “You owe me.”
The Actress Said The Rift Was A ‘Tough Pill To Swallow’
Panettiere explained that she entered the conversation hoping ending their professional arrangement would allow them to rebuild their personal bond. “I remember being hopeful,” she said.
The actress later described the outcome as “disappointing,” believing her mother’s response referred to money. “The fact that she didn’t care to have a relationship with me was a tough pill to swallow,” Panettiere added.
Vogel publicly challenged that version of events when the memoir was released and confirmed that the two women were no longer speaking. She suggested that “the present drama is partially to sell books” and said she had chosen to end contact after “20 years of trauma.”
“As many parents of entertainment children [know], we are all too familiar with the painful observation of watching the self-destructive paths they sometimes choose. No parent hopes for this scenario; we want our children to be the best of themselves and live a peaceful, joyful life!” Vogel said. “Sadly, this is out of our control. You cannot save someone who does not want to be saved.”
Vogel concluded her earlier statement by expressing hope that Panettiere would eventually “find her path to inner peace.”
Hayden Panettiere’s Cause Of Death Remains Unknown
Emergency services responded Sunday to a report of an “unresponsive female” who was later identified as Panettiere. First responders reportedly attempted to resuscitate the “Nashville” star using “advanced cardiac life support,” including CPR, medication, breathing tubes and monitoring of her heart rhythm. Panettiere was pronounced dead after paramedics were unable to revive her.
Dispatch audio from the emergency response included references to an “overdose” and “cardiac arrest.” However, an official cause of death has not been released. Authorities have confirmed that the investigation is continuing.
“The case is under investigation by the Greenville Police Department in conjunction with the Greenville County Coroner’s Office,” officials said in a statement. “The preliminary investigation has not indicated any signs of foul play or suspicious circumstances. An acquaintance of Ms. Panettiere placed the 911 call.”
Panettiere is survived by her 11-year-old daughter, Kaya, whom she welcomed in December 2014 with former boxer Wladimir Klitschko, whom she separated from in 2018. Kaya subsequently relocated to Ukraine to live with her father while the actress confronted postpartum depression and alcohol and opioid addiction.
