Hayden Panettiere’s estranged mother criticises former boyfriend Brian Hickerson in first statement since daughter’s death

Hayden Panettiere’s mother has spoken out following her daughter’s death, criticising the actor’s former partner Brian Hickerson. READ MORE: Hayden Panettiere’s ‘Heroes’ character Claire Bennet is an underrated sci-fi icon The actor, famous for her roles in Heroes, Nashville, and the Scream franchise, died in her home in South Carolina on August 16, at the age of 36. Her death was announced by her father Skip, who described her as “an incredible light and a force of nature who brought immeasurable love and joy to all who knew her”. An official cause of death has not been disclosed, but 911 dispatch audio revealed medical personnel were treating her for a “suspected overdose”. In her first statement since her daughter’s death, Panettiere’s mother, Lesley Vogel, singled out the actor’s former partner, Brian Hickerson, who was said to be with her at the time of her death. Panettiere claimed in her recent memoir that he domestically abused her, something he acknowledged in an interview with TMZ in May, and Vogel expressed her “concern” about his influence on her. Vogel and Panettiere had been estranged for some time before her death. Hayden Panettiere's ex Brian Hickerson talks relatio...