Hayden Panettiere's Boyfriend Brian Hickerson 'Gave Her Narcan' After Finding Star Unconscious on Day She Died, His Brother Zach Claims
Brian Hickerson was traveling with Hayden Panettiere ahead of her death.
Aug. 21 2026, Updated 4:57 p.m. ET
Hayden Panettiere's cause of death is still pending – but one person at the scene of her death claimed she was administered Narcan as a life-saving effort.
The Ice Princess star died on August 16 in South Carolina after traveling with her ex, Brian Hickerson. His brother, Zach, who was with the pair, claimed Brian "gave her Narcan" after she was found unconscious, RadarOnline.com has learned.
Brian Hickerson Administered Narcan to Hayden Panettiere
Brian's brother detailed the events leading up to her death.
Zach chose to speak out in an effort to end "the speculation and sensationalism of her death," which is currently pending investigation.
He told TMZ a detailed account of the events that transpired, explaining he went to church that morning before lunch plans with Panettiere and Brian. When he didn't hear from the pair, Zach went to their Airbnb.
"I just assumed maybe they fell back asleep, so I drove over and went to the Airbnb," he said. "When I got there, I knew the code to the building but not the door code to the AirBnb. I knocked loudly, which apparently woke Brian up from a nap they were both taking on the pull-out couch bed in the living room. When we went in and tried to wake Hayden up for lunch, we realized she was unconscious."
Zach claimed he was the one who called 911 while Brian "gave her Narcan." He added, "We then jointly performed CPR while 911 was on speaker until Fire and EMS arrived. At that point, we watched as they tried every measure possible to save her life."
Local Authorities Encourage Narcan
The local community allegedly is struggling with drug-related issues.
Narcan, also known as naloxone, is capable of stopping an opioid overdose. The drug is capable of restoring breathing within 2 to 3 minutes, but further medical intervention is typically needed afterward.
The Greenville community, where Panettiere died, has reportedly struggled with a widespread drug crisis, a local resident claimed. According to the former advocate, local authorities encouraged individuals to carry Narcan with them in an effort to reduce overdose-related deaths.
"It’s even more tragic when you think there is something that someone could have possibly done to prevent their loved one from dying," Greenville County Coroner, Mike Ellis said, according to WSPA. "I truthfully believe Narcan is saving quite a few lives."
Zach Hickerson Wants to 'Mourn Without Additional Noise'
Zach Hickerson reportedly called 911 while Brian attempted to help Hayden Panettiere.
Zach, who reports previously indicated was emotionally distraught at the scene, admitted he is "beyond heartbroken and devastated by this tragic and traumatic loss."
He added, "Hayden was one of my dearest and closest friends that I loved and cared about for the last 8 years."
Zach also said, "I want to clarify my involvement in effort to keep the focus on the fact that we lost one of the most precious individuals on this earth and to allow those that cared about her to mourn without additional noise, chaos, and misinformation being created and propagated by the media as well as the public."
Investigation in Progress
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Authorities do not suspect foul play.
Panettiere was open about her opioid addiction in life, admitting she struggled with alcohol dependency as well. However, she previously entered treatment and was in recovery.
After police arrived to the scene, they deemed there was no signs of foul play. The local coroner also indicated there was no trauma to her body, but a toxicology report is still pending.
Nonetheless, an investigation was launched into the circumstances surrounding Panettiere's death, and the Drug Administration Enforcement is allegedly in the mix.
Authorities were spotted speaking with Brian at his grandmother's home after Panettiere's death. He also reportedly gave police a bag of medication at the scene, which included drugs she was taking at the time. However, it's unclear if she was abusing any substances.
