Hayden Panettiere’s Boyfriend Breaks Silence, DEA Joins Investigation

The U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration has joined the investigation into the death of actress Hayden Panettiere, who was found unresponsive at a South Carolina apartment on August 16 at age 36 . An autopsy found no signs of physical trauma that would have contributed to her death, but the cause and manner remain pending further studies, including toxicology results . Panettiere's on-again, off-again boyfriend, Brian Hickerson, and his brother were present when she was found . Hickerson's attorney issued a statement asking for privacy, noting police have confirmed no signs of foul play . Dispatch audio referenced a possible overdose, and Narcan was reportedly found at the scene . Panettiere had a history of substance abuse and completed rehabilitation in 2021. Hickerson, who has prior domestic violence convictions involving Panettiere, had a request to reduce his felonies denied three days before her death . Her mother told NBC News she had long been concerned about Hickerson's influence . The investigation remains active and ongoing .