Health Challenges and Physical Pain
Lesley Vogel, the estranged mother of the late actress Hayden Panettiere, has shared insights regarding the physical and emotional distress her daughter experienced in the months leading up to her sudden death. Speaking with The New York Times, Vogel recalled the time she spent with the 36-year-old in Los Angeles last year.
“She was in pain,” Vogel stated. “She was afraid. She couldn’t physically function properly.”
Vogel described efforts to help her daughter, including consulting various medical professionals and seeking alternative treatments such as acupuncture and massage therapy. These interventions were aimed at alleviating a persistent sensation of “pins and needles” in the actress's lower extremities, which significantly hampered her ability to work. While the underlying cause of these symptoms remained undiagnosed, Panettiere had reportedly expressed concerns that they might be long-term effects from injuries sustained on various film sets during her childhood.
Ongoing Investigations and Conflicting Accounts
Following the news of Panettiere’s death in South Carolina, authorities have confirmed that an autopsy revealed no signs of physical trauma. The investigation into the exact cause of death remains active. Reports indicate that the actress's former partner, Brian Hickerson, and his brother, Zach, were present at the location when the incident occurred.
Brian Hickerson’s attorney, Sloan Ellis, issued a statement regarding the situation: “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.”
Hickerson has claimed that he and his brother attempted to render aid, alleging that they found the actress unresponsive and performed CPR after administering Narcan while waiting for emergency services. However, Vogel has publicly challenged these accounts, suggesting that she holds Hickerson responsible for her daughter’s circumstances.
Concerns Regarding Personal Property
Beyond health issues, Vogel addressed the complex relationship between her daughter and Hickerson. In her interview, she alleged that Hickerson had pawned several of Panettiere's personal belongings, including a vintage guitar, without her authorization. Vogel claimed the actress discovered her items in a storage unit owned by Hickerson, leaving her deeply shocked. An anonymous source cited by The New York Times corroborated the claim that Hickerson had sold some of the actress's possessions.
Hayden Panettiere is survived by her parents, Lesley Vogel and Skip Panettiere, and her 11-year-old daughter, Kaya.