Brian Hickerson briefly addressed Hayden Panettiere ’s death on September 16, nearly one month after the actress died in South Carolina on August 16. Speaking at a gas station in Greenville, Hickerson offered condolences in return but declined to discuss the case further. “How do you think I’m doing?” Hickerson said in video obtained by E! News. After a photographer expressed sympathy, the 37 year old aspiring actor replied, “Appreciate it. That’s all I got for you, man.” What Is Known About the Investigation? Hickerson’s attorney, Sloan Ellis, previously said the 36 year old Heroes actress’s death remained under investigation and asked for privacy for her loved ones. A Greenville County incident report said EMS found Panettiere unresponsive after cardiac arrest and attempted lifesaving measures for an extended period. The Greenville County coroner’s autopsy report found no trauma that contributed to Panettiere’s death, while the cause and manner remained pending. According to records cited by E! News, Hickerson told officers he had shown them a bag of medication that he believed belonged to Panettiere, and 911 audio reportedly included an assessment of an apparent overdose. Hickerson and his brother Zach Hickerson were with Panettiere when she died, according to the death investigation report. The report said Brian did not become emotional until Panettiere was pronounced dead, while Zach, who identified Brian as Panettiere’s boyfriend, was described as very emotional during rescue efforts. Panettiere and Brian had an on and off relationship dating back to 2018, and Brian pleaded no contest in 2020 to two counts involving injury to a spouse or girlfriend, receiving a 45 day jail sentence. Panettiere’s mother, Lesley Vogel, later told Entertainment Tonight that the family had been estranged from her daughter because of what she called a toxic individual in Panettiere’s life.