Friend recounts Panettiere's final hours, overdose concerns

Zach Hickerson, a friend of actress Hayden Panettiere, has detailed the final moments before her death on Sunday. He described arriving at an Airbnb in Greenville, South Carolina, where he found Panettiere and his brother, Brian Hickerson, unconscious. Zach attempted to wake Panettiere for lunch and realized she was unresponsive, prompting him to call 911 while Brian administered Narcan.

Both brothers performed CPR until emergency services arrived. Officials noted an apparent overdose during treatment, and Panettiere was pronounced dead shortly after. The Greenville Police Department confirmed that an acquaintance made the 911 call and stated there were no immediate signs of foul play.

The coroner's report indicates that the cause and manner of death are pending further investigation and toxicology studies, which could take up to eight weeks. Brian Hickerson's attorney emphasized that the investigation is ongoing and respects the privacy of Panettiere's loved ones.

This incident follows a history of domestic violence allegations between Panettiere and Brian Hickerson, who had previously pleaded no contest to felony assault charges. Panettiere had detailed his abuse in her memoir earlier this year.