Zach Hickerson is speaking out.
As heartache over the shocking death of 36-year-old actress and animal rights activist Hayden Panettiere continues, her boyfriend Brian Hickerson‘s brother wants all the “assumptions, speculations and accusations” to stop.
In a detailed statement to TMZ on Friday, he describes what happened the day he discovered the Nashville star unresponsive. He told the outlet:
“On Sunday morning, I woke up at my Airbnb, got dressed and went to Church. I exchanged messages that morning with Brian on my way. We planned on us all getting lunch and playing indoor golf after the service. When I left church I called and texted both of them. When I didn’t reach Brian or Hayden, I just assumed maybe they fell back asleep so I drove over and went to the Airbnb. When I got there I knew the code to the building but not the door code to the AirBnb.”
He says his loud knocking woke up Brian, continuing:
“When we went in and tried to wake Hayden up for lunch, we realized she was unconscious. I immediately called 911 and Brian gave her Narcan. We then jointly performed CPR while 911 was on speaker until Fire and EMS arrived. At that point we watched as they tried every measure possible to save her life.”
Zach told TMZ he is “beyond heartbroken” about the “traumatic” loss of Hayden, who he described as “one of the most precious individuals on this earth” as well as one of his “dearest and closest friends” who he has “loved and cared about for the last 8 years.”
He concluded the statement saying:
“Out of respect for her loved ones, the speculation and sensationalism of her death needs to end until the facts can be released from the investigation.”
On Thursday, the attorney for Zach’s brother and Hayden’s boyfriend Brian also released a statement to the outlet, saying:
“Hayden’s death remains under investigation and it is important to allow that investigation to proceed. As has been publicly reported, police confirmed there were no signs of foul play. Out of respect for Hayden’s loved ones and the ongoing investigation, there will be no further comment at this time.”
An autopsy completed by the Greenville County Coroner’s Office has concluded “no signs of trauma were discovered” that could have contributed to her death.
Related: Celebs Mourn The Loss Of Hayden
Hayden inspired countless people all around the world. She raised awareness for many causes, notably both animal rights and postpartum depression. Her legacy will live on through the positive impact she left on society, her brilliant performances on screen, the love and compassion she showed others, and of course, through her daughter.
May she rest in peace.
To learn more about postpartum depression, CLICK HERE or HERE.
To learn more about Hayden’s work for animal rights, CLICK HERE or HERE.
