Hayden Panettiere's on-and-off boyfriend Brian Hickerson breaks silence after her tragic death

Hayden Panettiere's on-and-off boyfriend, Brian Hickerson, has spoken out for the first time since her death aged 36. 

The American actress, known for her roles in Nashville and Heroes, died just days before her 37th birthday at her home in Greenville, South Carolina, on Sunday. Brian and his brother, Zach Hickerson, were reportedly at the apartment.

Hayden was found unresponsive and in cardiac arrest. A post-mortem examination found there were "no signs of foul play or suspicious circumstances," according to police. 

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A statement shared by Ellis Hinton law firm, on behalf of Brian, said: "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.

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"Out of respect for Hayden's loved ones and the ongoing investigation, there will be no further comment at this time."

The cause and manner of Hayden's death have not been confirmed.

In a statement after her death, Hayden's father Skip described her as "an incredible light and a force of nature who brought immeasurable love and joy to all who knew her – and to the millions who watched her onscreen."

Brian Hickerson's comments about Hayden Panettiere just three months before her death

Brian and Hayden dated on-and-off for eight years between 2018 to 2022. 

The couple had a tumultuous relationship. Brian was arrested on a domestic violence charge in May 2019 after an alleged altercation but pleaded not guilty to one count of felony domestic violence. He was arrested in February 2020 for domestic battery after allegedly punching Hayden in the face. 

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In May, Brian shared an insight into their relationship. He told TMZ: "Hayden Panettiere is the sweetest thing in the world.

"It's not about who you spend Saturday night with, it's who you spend all day Sunday with and Hayden Panettiere's a Sunday girl."

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"I would be an idiot not to walk away from her and let her flourish in her career," he continued. "So we probably wouldn't be good together. I'd like to see what she's gonna do with the next like 30 years of her career, she'll always hold a special place in my heart ... we're good buddies."

"We probably wouldn't be good together," he admitted, adding: "I'd like to see what she's going to do with the next like 30 years of her career. She'll always hold a special place in my heart, and I hope same for her."