Weeks after the sudden death of Hayden Panettiere at age 36, the late actress's former partner, Brian Hickerson, and his brother, Zach, have been involved in a law enforcement encounter following a disturbance at a bar. The incident, which took place on September 12 at a Wild Wing Cafe in South Carolina, reportedly stemmed from a brawl inside the establishment.
According to local authorities, officers were called to the scene to address the altercation. Sgt. Diana Munoz of the Greenville Police Department stated that Zach Hickerson was observed to be highly intoxicated and was allegedly yelling profanities in a public setting. Consequently, he was arrested and charged with disorderly conduct, after which he was booked into the county detention center.
While Brian Hickerson was detained by police during the incident, officials confirmed that he was not arrested. "Brian Hickerson was released from the scene and not charged," a representative for the department disclosed.
The brothers were both present when Panettiere was declared dead on August 16. The actress had been traveling in South Carolina with Brian at the time, and it was Zach who discovered her unconscious. Although reports indicated that Brian attempted to administer Narcan to the actress, she could not be resuscitated.
The circumstances surrounding Panettiere's death remain under investigation. While an official cause of death has yet to be announced, sources close to the investigation have suggested a working theory involving a tainted oxycodone pill. The investigation into the actress's passing continues as toxicology results remain pending.