Hayden Panettiere memorial guest list reportedly excludes mum and boyfriend as family tensions rise
Details of Hayden Panettiere’s memorial have been revealed (Getty Images)
Hayden Panettiere’s mother Lesley Vogel and on-off boyfriend Brian Hickerson have reportedly been left off the guest list for the late actor’s Malibu memorial, with reports also claiming Hickerson’s brother Zach will not attend.
The alleged exclusions were set out in a TMZ report about the Malibu “celebration of life”, which said the trio were not invited. The gathering is expected to draw around 150 guests.
Brian Hickerson, 37, and Zach Hickerson, 38, have reportedly reacted to the decision, with claims they “understand” why they were excluded and appreciate it is a sensitive time for Panettiere’s loved ones. In a statement to TMZ, Zach Hickerson said: “There are a lot of assumptions, speculations and accusations currently swirling.” He added: “The truth will come out as the authorities complete and release additional details from the investigation. And that is important because the people who loved and adored Hayden deserve the truth.”
Memorial guest list reports
Panettiere was found dead on 16 August in a Greenville, South Carolina Airbnb, aged 36. Reports have claimed she went into cardiac arrest following a suspected overdose while staying there with Brian and Zach Hickerson.
Greenville County Sheriff’s Office said Panettiere’s autopsy had been completed and that no signs of trauma were found on her body. Reports have also claimed Narcan was found at the property and that Brian Hickerson administered it while attempting to revive her, details previously described in reporting that law enforcement sources believed involved a fentanyl-laced pill. Panettiere’s representative later described some claims about her death as “unverified hearsay” while toxicology was pending.
Family rift and scrutiny
Panettiere rose to fame as Claire Bennet in Heroes and later starred as Juliette Barnes in Nashville. She spoke publicly about postpartum depression and periods of addiction and recovery, and supported animal welfare causes, including campaigns linked to marine mammal protection.
Panettiere and Hickerson’s relationship began in 2018 and was widely described as tumultuous. He was arrested and charged in connection with domestic abuse multiple times; it has been reported he pleaded no contest in 2021 to two felony counts of injuring a spouse or girlfriend, resulting in jail time, probation, domestic violence classes, $500 restitution and a five-year protective order.
Vogel has also spoken publicly about the estrangement, saying: “Although my daughter and I were estranged , it was not for lack of care or love. It was due to the involvement of a toxic individual who I believe led to her death ,” and adding: “Hayden was a beautiful and talented young woman who unfortunately became involved with the wrong person, and although her family tried to extricate him from her life, we were unable to be successful.”
