Los Angeles, California - After the tragic death of Hayden Panettiere, many questions remain unanswered. Now, the star's mother has spoken about her daughter's final hours, leveling serious accusations against Panettiere's ex‑boyfriend, Brian Hickerson.
What really happened in the minutes leading up to Hayden Panettiere's death?
To her mother, Lesley Vogel, many aspects of the publicly reported story about her daughter's shocking passing don't add up.
Vogel claimed the account is "full of holes" in an interview with the Daily Mail and expressed doubts about the portrayal of brothers Brian and Zach Hickerson.
According to the story, Zach – the brother of Panettiere's on‑and‑off partner – found the Nashville star unconscious at an Airbnb in Greenville.
Brian was said to have been sleeping in an adjoining room at the time.
Panettiere's mother, however, doesn't buy this version of events: "I think Brian called his brother. My opinion. I think he knew she was deceased. Called his brother, and tried and built this story."
She even told an officer at the crime scene that she considers her daughter's ex‑boyfriend "culpable."
Hayden Panettiere's mom doubts Brian Hickerson's portrayal of events
Vogel refuses to believe that Brian Hickerson could have been sleeping while their daughter died: "I don't know how you can take a nap near someone who's dying and not realize something’s wrong."
There are also inconsistencies in the timeline.
According to public statements, Panettiere's ex‑boyfriend supposedly didn't wake up until his brother knocked on the door. The two then allegedly found Panettiere unconscious.
Reports say that the drug Narcan, used to treat an opioid overdose, was found at the scene. Vogel speculated that Brian must have left first to buy the medication. "I do not believe he happened to have two bottles of Narcan on him, like he carried them around in his back pocket."
The 37‑year‑old has so far only spoken about his ex‑girlfriend's death through his lawyer, referring to the ongoing investigation.
At present, there is no evidence of a crime. Whether Panettiere actually died from an overdose has not yet been definitively determined, and the results of the toxicology report are still pending.