Neighbor's Account of Disturbances
Mia Terrazzas, a resident of West Hollywood and Hayden Panettiere's neighbor, contacted emergency services at least six times to report disturbances at the celebrity's home. Terrazzas witnessed Panettiere being taken away on a stretcher, accompanied by Brian Hickerson, and inquired about her well-being, observing signs of potential physical abuse. Terrazzas also expressed her belief that Panettiere was visibly frightened.[S1]
Mia Terrazzas revealed that the Homeowners Association posted signs last year, instructing residents to contact emergency services if they saw Brian Hickerson. However, these notices were taken down within a week. Terrazzas attempted to re-post them, but they were swiftly removed again. She characterized Hickerson as a menacing figure in the neighborhood, asserting that he continued to reside with Hayden Panettiere and once destroyed her bathroom with a sledgehammer in the early morning hours.[S1][S2]
History of Abuse and Legal Issues
Hayden Panettiere, an actress renowned for her performances in Heroes, Nashville, and the Scream films, recounted physical violence inflicted by Brian Hickerson in her book, This Is Me: A Reckoning, published earlier this year. Hickerson received a 45-day jail sentence in 2021, having pleaded no contest to two felony charges of harming Panettiere. As part of his plea agreement, he was mandated to attend 52 domestic violence courses and pay a $500 fine.[S1][S2]
Mia Terrazzas, a neighbor of Hayden Panettiere, believed the actress was a victim of domestic abuse. Terrazzas witnessed Panettiere being taken away on a stretcher, appearing to have suffered injuries consistent with battering. She described Panettiere as a vibrant person when alone, but noticeably subdued and altered in Hickerson's presence. A source previously alleged that Hickerson was a negative influence on Panettiere, stating their relationship had been problematic from the beginning.[S2]
Circumstances of Her Death
Hayden Panettiere passed away at 36 years old on Sunday in Greenville, South Carolina. The police report mentions that Brian Hickerson and his brother were present at the townhouse when she was pronounced dead. While the cause of death is pending investigation, officials on the 911 call reportedly discussed an overdose and cardiac arrest. The coroner's office found no visible signs of trauma. The Drug Enforcement Administration has now joined the investigation.[S1][S2]
Panettiere's mother, Lesley Vogel, criticized Hickerson, saying they had been trying to get rid of him for quite some time and that he was with her at her death. Filmmaker Griff Furst, who worked with her on his 2025 film A Breed Apart, shared on Instagram that when Hickerson visited on set, it was clear she wasn't okay and the energy in her room was dark.[S1]
