Interviews, court documents and business records illustrate Brian Hickerson’s extensive financial and legal troubles, including domestic violence against Panettiere.Hayden Panettiere and Brian Hickerson in Los Angeles in 2019.gotpap / Bauer-Griffin / GC ImagesAug. 22, 2026, 12:00 PM EDTWhen actor Hayden Panettiere was found unresponsive inside a South Carolina apartment on Aug. 16, her abusive on-and-off boyfriend Brian Hickerson was there. Panettiere’s death has since cast a spotlight on Hickerson, while extensive public records reviewed by NBC News detail his trail of financial and legal troubles.Just a moment.We are getting your experience ready.