Brian Hickerson’s brother has shared new details about Hayden Panettiere’s final moments, describing how the actress was found unconscious at a rental property in Greenville, South Carolina.
According to Zach Hickerson, he, Brian and Panettiere had planned to have lunch and go indoor golfing together after Zach attended church on Sunday. After leaving the service, Zach said he tried calling and texting the actress and his brother but received no response.
Initially, he assumed they were sleeping. When he returned to the rental property, however, he discovered that he did not have the door code. After knocking loudly, he said Brian woke up from a nap on the pull-out couch.
The situation quickly became an emergency.
Zach said that when the brothers attempted to wake Panettiere, they realized she was unconscious. He immediately called 911 while Brian administered Narcan, a medication commonly used to reverse an opioid overdose.
The brothers then performed CPR while emergency dispatchers remained on the phone with them.
Zach said they continued trying to help Panettiere until firefighters and emergency medical personnel arrived. He described watching first responders attempt every possible measure to save her life.
His account provides a firsthand description of the emergency and clarifies his own involvement in the incident.
Panettiere, who was 36, was known for her roles in Heroes and Nashville. Her death has prompted an outpouring of tributes from fans and colleagues.
The details shared by Zach remain an account of the events from his perspective. The circumstances surrounding Panettiere’s death should be distinguished from confirmed findings by authorities or a medical examiner.