News Crime Hayden Panettiere

Brian Hickerson’s brother hits back at Hayden Panettiere death ‘rumours’ after bar fight

'People believe them and then they attack'

Daisy Phillipson
14th September 2026, 11:47
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The brother of Hayden Panettiere’s boyfriend, Brian Hickerson, has spoken out after the pair were allegedly involved in a bar fight over the weekend, claiming they’ve been subject to “attacks” resulting from “rumours”. 

The incident comes less than a month after Hayden’s death at the age of 36. Brian and his brother Zach Hickerson were both with the Heroes star at the Greenville, South Carolina, home where the actress died on August 16.

Police responded to a separate incident at the Wild Wing Cafe in Greenville on Saturday, September 12, following a reported assault. 

The Greenville Police Department said in a statement shared with E! News, “Upon arrival, officers located several individuals involved in an altercation and detained multiple patrons while the incident was investigated.”

Officials confirmed “two individuals were identified as Brian Hickerson and Zachary Hickerson.” While Brian was initially detained, he was released from the scene without charge. 

Zach Hickerson hits back at ‘rumours’ following his arrest

Zach was arrested for disorderly conduct after police said he was “highly intoxicated” and began “yelling profanities in a public setting”. He has since been released from Greenville County Detention Center, where he spoke with TMZ. 

Although he didn’t go into detail about the bar fight, he did express his frustration about what he claims is misinformation spreading online about Hayden Panettiere’s death.

“It’s just super frustrating all that we’ve been through and all the rumours that get started and then people believe them and then they attack as a result of the rumours,” he told the outlet. “That’s what pisses me off.”

He went on to note how people online “fill in their own holes” in response to reports about the case. 

An eyewitness told TMZ that the brothers were heckled about Hayden’s death on Saturday evening at the Wild Wing Cafe before the interaction turned physical. 

Zach didn’t elaborate further on what he believes people are getting wrong about the reports online, but said, “I’ll clarify eventually.”

Brian, Hayden’s on-and-off boyfriend, also alluded to her death after being detained. In a clip being circulated on social media, he can be seen on the ground while officers place him in handcuffs. 

Speaking to an unidentified man, he says, “GPD leaked it when my girlfriend died,” seemingly referring to the Greenville Police Department. 

Film Shrine has contacted the Greenville Police Department for comment. 

Sources reveal new theory about what caused Hayden Panettiere’s death

Hayden Panettiere in Heroes
Credit: NBC

Police previously confirmed their preliminary investigation found no signs of foul play in Hayden’s death, and neither Brian nor Zach have been accused or charged with any crime in connection with it.

Emergency responders found Hayden unresponsive and in cardiac arrest on August 16, with dispatch audio recordings referencing a possible overdose. 

The autopsy found no signs of trauma. The Greenville County Coroner has not yet determined either the cause or manner of death, as additional tests are still pending. 

Multiple law enforcement sources involved in the case told TMZ on Monday, September 14, one theory being explored is that Panettiere may have taken an oxycodone pill laced with fentanyl.

The outlet also reported that the DEA in Los Angeles is investigating where the drugs may have come from, including Hayden’s alleged dealer. However, sources stressed that nothing has been confirmed, with toxicology results still pending.

Zach previously said he discovered Hayden unconscious after arriving at the Airbnb where she and Brian were staying. He claimed Brian administered Narcan while Zach called 911, before the pair performed CPR until emergency responders arrived.

Featured image credit: RHTY/starmaxinc.com/Shutterstock/Instagram/Brian Hickerson