Hayden Panettiere’s boyfriend back to Instagram after 'cause of death’ revealed

Brian Hickerson had faced backlash after the death of Hayden Panettiere

|
Published September 14, 2026

Brian Hickerson, Hayden Panettiere’s boyfriend, had deactivated his Instagram account after facing backlash following her death.

Although he came back to the social media platform after deleting most of the posts, a large number of Panettiere’s fans flooded his comments section to criticize him.

Brian Hickerson's Instagram had vanished within hours of Panettiere’s death

He is once again drawing attention after TMZ reported that Hayden Panettiere took one fatal pill the day she died.

Citing unnamed sources, the outlet reported that Hayden had a "long time drug dealer" in Los Angeles, who was providing her several black-market prescription drugs, including oxycodone.

TMZ reported that Hayden took several drugs she purchased from her dealer on the flight from L.A. to South Carolina the day before she died.

It said she reportedly took an oxy the morning of her death, and the authorities believe that pill was laced with fentanyl.

According to the report, the DEA in Los Angeles is actively piecing together the relationship between Hayden and her drug dealer, attempting to trace the fatal pill back to him.

The report said that when first responders arrived at the condo where Hayden and her boyfriend, Brian Hickerson, were staying, he gave them a bag of her prescription meds. It would be telling if some of those pills were fentanyl-laced.

Brian Hickerson administered Narcan to an unresponsive Hayden before paramedics arrived, to no avail.

The report said that the DEA in both South Carolina and L.A. is conducting the investigation.

The News Digital
At The News Digital, our editors combine entertainment savvy with global reporting expertise. Expect authoritative coverage of royals, Hollywood, and trending topics, plus clear, reliable updates across science, politics, sports, and business. We keep it accurate, timely, and easy to understand, so you can stay ahead.
Share this story: