New details are emerging about the investigation into Hayden Panettiere’s death.
A witness who was inside Panettiere’s West Hollywood building exclusively tells Us that more than six federal agents entered the actress’ residence on the evening of Tuesday, August 25. The witness says the agents had a warrant to search the premises.
Panettiere died in South Carolina on August 16 at age 36. Her cause of death has yet to be confirmed, though an autopsy showed “no signs of trauma.”
A police report obtained by Us stated that Panettiere’s on-again, off-again boyfriend, Brian Hickerson, and his brother Zach Hickerson were present at the scene when the actress died. Brian, 37, has since spoken out via his attorney.
“Hayden’s death remains under investigation, and it is important to allow that investigation to proceed,” Brian’s lawyer Sloan Ellis told Us in a statement on Thursday, August 20. “As has been publicly reported, police confirmed there were no signs of foul play. Out of respect for Hayden’s loved ones and the ongoing investigation, there will be no further comment at this time.”
Zach, for his part, alleged one day later that he and Brian had tried to save Panettiere’s life after finding her unresponsive in an Airbnb.
“When we went in and tried to wake Hayden up for lunch, we realized she was unconscious,” he claimed to TMZ on Friday, August 21. “I immediately called 911, and Brian gave her Narcan. 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.”
Panettiere’s estranged mother, Lesley Vogel, has since refuted the claims. She told the Daily Mail on Saturday, August 22, that she believes Brian is “culpable” for her daughter’s death, though he has not been formally accused.
Panettiere’s rep has addressed online speculation in the wake of the actress’ death and urged people to come forward with any details that may be helpful amid the investigation.
“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,” read a statement exclusively shared with Us on Tuesday. “It is deeply disrespectful to her memory and to those who knew and loved her and are actively grieving this tremendous loss.”
The message continued, “If you have legitimate information that could be helpful, please contact law enforcement rather than turning to social media to speculate publicly about something you do not fully understand. 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.”
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