Exclusive | Hayden Panettiere kept friends ‘in the dark’ about reunion with troubled Brian Hickerson before star’s death

Hayden Panettiere kept some of her friends “in the dark” about apparently reconnecting with Brian Hickerson before her sudden death at 36.

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“If Brian was back in her life, then it was something she was hiding because she wasn’t speaking about it with many of her friends,” a source exclusively told Page Six.

“If you’ve gone through some dark times with people, and spoken about it, then there can be shame if you get back together with that same person,” the insider said. “So maybe that was why she hadn’t mentioned it to us.”

A representative for Panettiere did not immediately respond to Page Six’s request for comment.

However, the former couple had been publicly seen together months before the “Nashville” alum’s death.

Panettiere and Hickerson sparked reconciliation rumors after they were spotted together at LAX airport in March 2026, with Hickerson accompanying the actress as she walked on crutches.

The pair — who were first romantically linked in 2018 — went on to have a tumultuous, on-and-off relationship that included multiple alleged incidents of domestic violence.

Hickerson was arrested for felony domestic violence in May 2019 following an alleged altercation with Panettiere at their home after the pair had been drinking in Hollywood.

TMZ reported at the time that redness and marks were visible on Panettiere’s body.

Hickerson was charged later that month and ordered to stay 100 yards away from Panettiere and have no contact with her. The case was dismissed in September 2019.

He was arrested again in Wyoming on Valentine’s Day in February 2020 following another alleged domestic dispute with Panettiere.

Hickerson was accused of striking the actress “with a closed fist on the right side of her face” and was later released on $5,000 bond.

That July, Panettiere was granted a restraining order against Hickerson and publicly spoke out about the alleged abuse.

“I am coming forward with the truth about what happened to me with the hope that my story will empower others in abusive relationships to get the help they need and deserve,” she wrote on Instagram.

“I am prepared to do my part to make sure this man never hurts anyone again. I’m grateful for my support system, which helped me find the courage to regain my voice and my life,” the actress added.

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In April 2021, Hickerson was sentenced to 45 days in county jail after pleading no contest to two felony counts of injuring a spouse or girlfriend. The sentencing came after multiple domestic violence allegations involving the “Heroes” star.

Hickerson was also hit with four years of probation, 52 domestic violence classes and a $500 fee. He also received a five-year restraining order that barred him from going near Panettiere.

Hickerson and Panettiere officially split for good in July 2022.

In May 2026, Hickerson shared a horrifying story from their troubled relationship, admitting he was abusive toward her.

“There’s a story where I was drunk, right? Hayden was standing across the room and I had a phone in my hand and I said, ‘Hayden I’ll give you 10 seconds to run as fast as you can before I throw it at you,’” he recalled.

Panettiere died Sunday in Greenville, South Carolina, her family confirmed. She was 36.

Police and emergency personnel responded shortly before 2 p.m. to a report of an unresponsive woman and attempted to provide medical assistance before Panettiere was pronounced dead at the scene.

Authorities said Monday that her death remains under investigation by the Greenville Police Department and Greenville County Coroner’s Office. A preliminary investigation found no signs of foul play or suspicious circumstances.

A cause of death has not been officially determined.

“It is with profound sadness that we share the tragic passing of our beloved Hayden,” her father, Skip Panettiere, said in a statement announcing her death.

“She was an incredible light and a force of nature who brought immeasurable love and joy to all who knew her — and to the millions who watched her onscreen.”

Her father asked for privacy as the family processes the “unimaginable loss.”

Law enforcement sources confirmed to TMZ that police responded to an incident involving Panettiere on Sunday and that an investigation is currently open.

The outlet also reported that just one day prior, the actress flew from LA to South Carolina with Hickerson.

As of this publication, Hickerson has not publicly responded to his girlfriend’s tragic death.

TMZ reported, however, that his family “is aware.”

Panettiere is survived by her 11-year-old daughter, Kaya, and her parents.

If you or someone you care about is affected by any of the issues raised in this story, call SAMHSA’s National Helpline at 1-800-662-HELP (4357). 

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