DEA Joins Investigation into Hayden Panettiere’s Death

The Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) has joined the investigation into the tragic death of actress Hayden Panettiere. Discussions on ‘Outnumbered’ have shed light on this development, alongside ongoing FBI inquiries involving former Rep. Eric Swalwell, D-Calif. Panettiere’s sudden passing has drawn attention, with her on-and-off boyfriend Brian Hickerson breaking his silence.

In a statement shared by Hickerson’s lawyer, Sloan Ellis, with TMZ, it was emphasized that the investigation is pivotal, noting that police found no evidence of foul play. Ellis stated, “Out of respect for Hayden’s loved ones and the ongoing investigation, there will be no further comment at this time.” Greenville Police Department has decided not to participate in media interviews regarding the case.

A DEA representative was contacted on Wednesday to assist in examining Panettiere’s death. That same day, Greenville police visited a South Carolina residence linked to Brian and Zach Hickerson days after Panettiere’s demise. Officers conducted a welfare check, with no response at the location.

Police confirmed there were no signs of foul play during the initial response and investigation. – Sloan Ellis

Sources state Panettiere was found unresponsive and in cardiac arrest at her apartment in Greenville, South Carolina, on Sunday. Efforts to revive her proved unsuccessful, leading to her pronouncement of death.

According to preliminary autopsy results obtained by Fox News Digital, no trauma contributed to her death. Brian and Zach Hickerson initiated a 911 call after discovering her unresponsive. Brian Hickerson gave authorities a bag containing medications Panettiere was reported to have taken.

Following the tragic event, local authorities issued a search warrant for the apartment. Zach Hickerson expressed strong emotions as paramedics attempted to revive Panettiere.

Panettiere had maintained an on-again, off-again relationship with Hickerson since their meeting through mutual friends in 2018. This followed her separation from Wladimir Klitschko. Hickerson’s background includes work in real estate and a minor acting role in the thriller ‘M.F.A’.

Hickerson and Panettiere reportedly traveled from Los Angeles together the day prior to her unresponsive state. Their relationship was marred by legal issues, with Hickerson facing domestic violence charges against Panettiere in 2019 and again in 2020. In 2021, Hickerson received a sentence following a plea to two felony charges related to domestic violence, with other charges dismissed as part of the plea agreement.

Attempting to have his charges reduced, Hickerson appeared in Los Angeles court days preceding Panettiere’s passing. The prosecution objected to motions for expunging and reducing charges, which the court consequently denied.