Hickerson Detained in Bloody Bar Fight Weeks After Panettiere Death

Clear Facts

• Brian Hickerson was involved in a violent altercation at a South Carolina bar on September 12, less than one month after girlfriend Hayden Panettiere was found dead
• Video footage shows Hickerson handcuffed and bloody outside Wild Wing Café, claiming police “leaked” information about Panettiere’s death
• Hickerson’s brother Zachary was arrested for disorderly conduct while highly intoxicated, though Brian was released without charges
• Panettiere’s death remains under investigation with DEA assistance, while her representatives warn against public speculation

Brian Hickerson, the on-again, off-again boyfriend of the late actress Hayden Panettiere, found himself detained by police during a bloody bar fight just weeks after her sudden death. The incident raises new questions as investigators continue examining the circumstances surrounding Panettiere’s passing.

On September 12 at approximately 9:10 p.m., Greenville Police Department officers responded to Wild Wing Café in South Carolina following reports of an assault inside the restaurant. Upon arrival, officers found multiple individuals involved in an altercation and detained several patrons while investigating the incident.

Two of those detained were identified as Brian Hickerson and his brother, Zachary Hickerson. According to police statements, Zachary was “highly intoxicated” during the incident and began yelling profanities in the public establishment.

Zachary was taken into custody on a disorderly conduct charge and transported to the Greenville County Detention Center. Brian Hickerson was later released from the scene without being charged.

Video footage circulating online shows a disturbing scene outside the restaurant. Hickerson appeared handcuffed and bloody, speaking to his brother about the ongoing investigation into Panettiere’s death.

“GPD leaked it when my girlfriend died,” Hickerson said in the video, referencing Panettiere’s death and the Greenville Police Department.

Additional video footage shows Hickerson throwing a bar stool inside the establishment before eventually being carried out. The violent outburst occurred less than one month after the actress was found dead.

Representatives for both Hickerson brothers did not respond to requests for comment regarding the incident.

The bar altercation comes as investigators continue examining Panettiere’s death. The actress was found unresponsive inside a Greenville residence on August 16 at age 36.

According to police reports, Hickerson and his brother Zach called 911 after discovering the actress unresponsive. Hickerson later provided authorities with a bag containing medication Panettiere had been taking.

The police report noted that Zach appeared “very emotional” while paramedics worked to revive Panettiere. However, Hickerson reportedly did not become emotional until the “Ice Princess” star was declared deceased.

Hickerson had traveled with Panettiere from Los Angeles the day before she was found unresponsive at the Greenville apartment complex. The couple had broken up briefly in 2022 but rekindled their romance the following year. Hickerson’s brother confirmed to police that Brian was in a relationship with the actress at the time of her death.

Preliminary autopsy results found no signs of trauma that contributed to Panettiere’s death, according to the Greenville County Coroner’s Office. However, the investigation remains active and ongoing.

The Drug Enforcement Administration has been contacted and is assisting with the investigation, adding another layer of complexity to the case.

Shortly after her death, Panettiere’s mother, Lesley Vogel, spoke publicly about her daughter’s final months during an interview with “Good Morning America.” One day later, Panettiere’s representatives issued a statement condemning the speculation surrounding her final hours.

“Many people who were not close to Hayden are using her death as an opportunity to fuel gossip and speculation about a situation they knew very little about,” Panettiere’s representative stated.

“It is deeply disrespectful to her memory and to those who knew and loved her and are actively grieving this tremendous loss.”

The statement urged those with legitimate information to contact law enforcement rather than engaging in public speculation on social media.

Panettiere’s team also hinted that significant details surrounding her death have yet to emerge publicly.

“There is much more to this story than what is currently being discussed publicly, and those closest to Hayden are actively cooperating with the ongoing investigation to help ensure that the truth comes to light and that justice is properly served,” the statement concluded.

The latest incident involving Hickerson adds another troubling chapter to an already tragic story. As investigators continue their work, many questions remain unanswered about the circumstances surrounding Panettiere’s untimely death and what role, if any, those closest to her may have played.

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