Following the death of Hayden Panettiere at age 36, new attention has surrounded one of the actress’ former relationships.
Hayden reportedly spent time with her ex-boyfriend, Brian Hickerson, shortly before her death. According to TMZ, the former couple traveled from Los Angeles to the South the previous day.
However, there has been no suggestion from authorities that Brian was connected to Hayden’s death. A cause of death had not been publicly disclosed at the time of publication.
Here is what to know about Brian and his complicated history with the “Heroes” star.
Who Is Brian Hickerson?
Brian is originally from South Carolina. He reportedly relocated to Los Angeles to pursue opportunities in real estate and acting.
He largely remained outside the public eye before beginning his relationship with Hayden in 2018, shortly after she ended her engagement to former heavyweight boxing champion Wladimir Klitschko.
Hayden and Wladimir share one daughter, Kaya Evdokia Klitschko, who was born in 2014.
Brian and Hayden Began Dating in 2018
Hayden and Brian had an on-and-off relationship that began in 2018. Their time together was marked by multiple domestic violence incidents and legal proceedings.
Brian was arrested in 2019 following a reported confrontation involving Hayden. He was arrested again in 2020 and later pleaded no contest to two felony counts of injuring a spouse or girlfriend.
In 2021, Brian was sentenced to 45 days in county jail. He also received four years of formal probation, was ordered to complete 52 domestic violence classes and became subject to a five-year protective order, according to People.
Brian served approximately one month of the jail sentence.
The Former Couple Reconnected After His Release
Brian and Hayden were seen spending time together again following his release from jail in 2021.
At the time, Brian said making amends was part of his recovery and claimed Hayden had allowed him to take that step. The pair continued to be photographed together, although the exact nature of their relationship was not always clear.
When Hayden was asked in 2023 whether they were romantically involved, she acknowledged that feelings remained between them.
Brian later said they had ended their relationship, but the two continued communicating and occasionally appeared together publicly.
Brian Addressed His Past Behavior
Hayden discussed the abusive relationship in her 2026 memoir, “This Is Me: A Reckoning.”
After the book’s release, Brian publicly acknowledged abusing Hayden and said there was no justification for his behavior.
“I got arrested for abusing her,” he told the outlet. “You never lay hands on a woman. Bottom line.”
Brian said he had apologized and spent time reflecting on his actions. He also described Hayden’s account as important reading that could help other abusers recognize and change their behavior.
In a separate interview, Brian said he continued to care for Hayden and still imagined the possibility of marrying her. Hayden laughed when later asked about that suggestion and indicated marriage was not in their future.
They Were Reportedly Friends Before Her Death
Hayden and Brian were photographed arriving at Los Angeles International Airport together in March 2026. Hayden was using crutches because of pinched nerves in her lower back, and Brian remained nearby as they left the airport.
A source told TMZ at the time that they were only friends.
Brian had not released a public statement about Hayden’s death at the time of publication. His family was reportedly aware of the news and described the circumstances as a sad situation.
