Brian Hickerson‘s half-sister is opening up about how Hayden Panettiere‘s death has affected her family.
“A massive tragedy has happened,” Ashley Hickerson — who shares dad David with Brian, 37, and Zach Hickerson — told the Daily Mail in a recent interview.
Ashley noted that her family “is really feeling this loss,” saying that her father is “devastated” and has taken the news “pretty hard.”
Panettiere died at age 36 on August 16. While her official cause of death has not yet been revealed, an autopsy determined there were “no signs of trauma” that would have contributed to her death. An investigation is ongoing.
The Heroes alum began dating Brian in 2018 after her split from ex-fiancé Wladimir Klitschko, with whom she shared daughter Kaya, 11. Panettiere’s relationship with Brian was tumultuous, with the pair splitting and reconciling multiple times over the course of several years.
“If I can say one thing about Brian, it’s that he is the most charismatic person and he draws you in,” Ashley told the Daily Mail. “I get why Hayden was with him. Brian is just the type of person who can make you laugh no matter what and he can be fun.”
While dating Panettiere, Brian was arrested for felony domestic violence in connection to an alleged 2019 altercation with the actress. He pleaded not guilty, with a judge issuing a criminal protective order. The case was eventually dismissed without prejudice because prosecutors “could not secure a material witness.”
He was arrested again in 2020 after allegedly punching Panettiere in the face. He was charged with domestic battery and interference with a cop and pleaded not guilty.
Later that year, Brian was arrested on multiple felony charges, including four charges of corporal injury on a spouse/cohabitant, two charges of assault and one of intimidating a witness. He pleaded no contest to two felony counts of injuring a spouse/girlfriend. The remaining six counts were dismissed as part of a plea agreement.
Brian was sentenced to 45 days in county jail, four years of formal probation, 52 domestic violence classes, $500 in restitution and a five-year protective order. Shortly before Panettiere’s death, he attempted to reduce his past felony charges, but his request was denied.
Addressing Brian’s behavior, Ashley asserted that he was “not raised that way.”
“We all have our demons. … It wasn’t until he got into drugs that he went south,” she claimed.
According to Ashley, Brian “did own up to his s***” and “was getting help.”
She further stated that she’s “protective” over her relatives, adding, “My family, they are amazing people. … My family and every family have their own issues.”
Brian previously addressed Panettiere’s death in a statement shared via his attorney. “Hayden’s death remains under investigation and it is important to allow that investigation to proceed,” the statement read. “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.”
If you or someone you know is experiencing domestic violence, please call the National Domestic Violence Hotline at 1-800-799-7233 for confidential support.
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