Hickerson was accused of physically abusing Panettiere<\/a> on multiple occasions. <\/p>\nHe ultimately pleaded no contest to two felony counts involving injury to a spouse, cohabitant or girlfriend, and was sentenced to 45 days in jail in 2021.<\/p>\n
\nPanettiere later spoke publicly about the abuse and said she hoped her experience would encourage others in abusive relationships to seek help.<\/p>\n
The actress and Hickerson officially split in 2022, but they eventually reconnected and described themselves publicly as friends. <\/p>\n
Panettiere had previously defended Hickerson\u2019s efforts to change, saying she believed he had \u201cdone his time\u201d and was willing to get help.<\/p>\n
By 2026, however, reports indicated that the relationship had become romantic again.<\/p>\n
The reunion reportedly remained largely hidden from Panettiere\u2019s inner circle as well. Page Six<\/a> reported that some of the actress\u2019 friends were unaware that she had reconnected with Hickerson before her death.<\/p>\nPanettiere was reportedly inside a South Carolina apartment belonging to Hickerson when she died. Her death remains under investigation, and authorities have not publicly established a cause.<\/p>\n
The actress was best known for her roles on Heroes<\/em>, Nashville<\/em>, and the Scream<\/em> franchise. She is survived by her daughter, Kaya.<\/p>\nHer final months were marked by renewed professional ambitions. Just four months before her death, Panettiere published a memoit and spoke about plans to launch a production company.<\/p>\n
Now, the revelation that she and Hickerson had quietly rekindled their relationship adds another complicated chapter to the tragic final months of Panettiere\u2019s life.<\/p>\n<\/p><\/div>\n
![\"Actress](\"https:\/\/cdn.thehollywoodgossip.com\/uploads\/2026\/08\/GettyImages-77940370-1024x843.jpg\")