Brian Hickerson, the former partner of actress Hayden Panettiere, has faced strong criticism online following news of her sudden death.
Panettiere, known for her roles in Heroes and Nashville, died on August 16, 2026, at the age of 36. Authorities are investigating the circumstances surrounding her death, while no official cause has been announced.
Following the news, social media users flooded Hickerson’s Instagram account with comments expressing anger and demanding answers. Some fans called for an investigation, while others questioned the disappearance of old photos featuring the actress.
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However, some users also defended Hickerson, stating that there is no confirmed evidence connecting him to Panettiere’s death.
The backlash appears linked to the couple’s controversial history. Panettiere and Hickerson began dating in 2018, but their relationship faced public scrutiny after allegations of domestic violence emerged.
In 2019, Hickerson was arrested following an alleged incident involving Panettiere. He later pleaded no contest in 2021 to felony charges related to injuring a spouse or girlfriend.
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As part of his sentence, Hickerson received jail time, probation, domestic violence classes and a restraining order.
Panettiere previously spoke about her experiences in her memoir This Is Me: A Reckoning, where she discussed personal struggles and difficult moments from her past.
Hickerson, who is originally from South Carolina, moved to Los Angeles to pursue opportunities in real estate and acting. His limited acting credits include an appearance in the thriller film M.F.A.
The actress’ death has prompted an emotional response from fans and colleagues worldwide, with many remembering her contributions to television, film and music.
As investigations continue, authorities have not released further details regarding the circumstances of Hayden Panettiere’s passing