{"id":262481,"date":"2026-09-11T12:29:09","date_gmt":"2026-09-11T12:29:09","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/entertainment.runfyers.com\/index.php\/2026\/09\/11\/hayden-panettiere-dea-zeroing-in-on-alleged-dealer-in-death-investigation\/"},"modified":"2026-09-11T12:29:09","modified_gmt":"2026-09-11T12:29:09","slug":"hayden-panettiere-dea-zeroing-in-on-alleged-dealer-in-death-investigation","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/entertainment.runfyers.com\/index.php\/2026\/09\/11\/hayden-panettiere-dea-zeroing-in-on-alleged-dealer-in-death-investigation\/","title":{"rendered":"Hayden Panettiere: DEA &#8216;Zeroing In&#8217; on Alleged Dealer in Death Investigation"},"content":{"rendered":"<p> <br \/>\n<\/p>\n<div>\n<p><span class=\"span-reading-time rt-reading-time\" style=\"display: block;\"><span class=\"rt-label rt-prefix\">Reading Time: <\/span> <span class=\"rt-time\"> 2<\/span> <span class=\"rt-label rt-postfix\">minutes<\/span><\/span><\/p>\n<p>At the time of <a href=\"https:\/\/www.thehollywoodgossip.com\/2026\/08\/hayden-panettiere-exposed-bad-men-prior-to-tragic-death\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Hayden Panettiere\u2019s tragic death<\/a>, she was unfortunately back in a relationship with abusive boyfriend <a href=\"https:\/\/www.thehollywoodgossip.com\/2026\/08\/brian-hickersons-family-home-receives-visit-from-police-following-death-of-hayden-panettiere\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Brian Hickerson<\/a>.<\/p>\n<p>In the wake of her passing, Hickerson has apparently been cooperating with investigators.<\/p>\n<p>A new report says that he has even met with the DEA in connection with Panettiere\u2019s death.<\/p>\n<p>Are they ready to arrest the dealer? Will that get justice?<\/p>\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><noscript><\/noscript><img fetchpriority=\"high\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"683\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn.thehollywoodgossip.com\/uploads\/2026\/09\/0911_haydenpanettiere_01-1024x683.jpg\" alt=\"Hayden Panettiere in 2022.\" class=\"wp-image-562820 lazyload\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.thehollywoodgossip.com\/uploads\/2026\/09\/0911_haydenpanettiere_01-1024x683.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/cdn.thehollywoodgossip.com\/uploads\/2026\/09\/0911_haydenpanettiere_01-300x200.jpg 300w, https:\/\/cdn.thehollywoodgossip.com\/uploads\/2026\/09\/0911_haydenpanettiere_01-768x512.jpg 768w, https:\/\/cdn.thehollywoodgossip.com\/uploads\/2026\/09\/0911_haydenpanettiere_01-2048x1365.jpg 2048w, https:\/\/cdn.thehollywoodgossip.com\/uploads\/2026\/09\/0911_haydenpanettiere_01-960x640.jpg 960w, https:\/\/cdn.thehollywoodgossip.com\/uploads\/2026\/09\/0911_haydenpanettiere_01-1080x720.jpg 1080w, https:\/\/cdn.thehollywoodgossip.com\/uploads\/2026\/09\/0911_haydenpanettiere_01-1200x800.jpg 1200w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 760px) calc(100vw - 20px), 720px\" data-pin-media=\"https:\/\/cdn.thehollywoodgossip.com\/uploads\/2026\/09\/0911_haydenpanettiere_01-scaled.jpg\" loading=\"lazy\" data-trellis-processed=\"1\"\/><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Hayden Panettiere attends amfAR Gala Los Angeles 2022 at Pacific Design Center on November 03, 2022.<span class=\"image-caption-credit\"> (Photo Credit: Jon Kopaloff\/Getty Images)<\/span><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-hayden-panettiere-s-death-investigation-involves-the-dea\">Hayden Panettiere\u2019s death investigation involves the DEA<\/h2>\n<p><em><a href=\"https:\/\/www.tmz.com\/2026\/09\/10\/brian-hickerson-talking-to-dea-amid-hayden-panettiere-death-investigation\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">TMZ<\/a> <\/em>reports that investigators are making progress as they investigate the death of Hayden Panettiere.<\/p>\n<p>Brian Hickerson was in his sadly-on-again girlfriend in the Greenville, South Carolina condo for her death.<\/p>\n<p>According to the report, Hickerson has spoken with the DEA in some capacity.<\/p>\n<p>Given that this investigation is into her overdose, that makes sense.<\/p>\n<p>Investigators are looking for Panettiere\u2019s alleged dealer.<\/p>\n<figure class=\"wp-block-embed is-type-video is-provider-youtube wp-block-embed-youtube wp-embed-aspect-16-9 wp-has-aspect-ratio\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-embed__wrapper\">\n<div class=\"thg-ytf\" data-ytid=\"vs6x8VUGXCw\"><noscript><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/i.ytimg.com\/vi\/vs6x8VUGXCw\/hqdefault.jpg\" alt=\"HAYDEN PANETTIERE Tells Her Truth For The First Time Ever (Custody, Addiction, Fame, Hollywood)\" loading=\"lazy\" width=\"480\" height=\"360\"\/><\/noscript><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/i.ytimg.com\/vi\/vs6x8VUGXCw\/hqdefault.jpg\" alt=\"HAYDEN PANETTIERE Tells Her Truth For The First Time Ever (Custody, Addiction, Fame, Hollywood)\" loading=\"lazy\" width=\"480\" height=\"360\" class=\"lazyload\" data-trellis-processed=\"1\"\/><button type=\"button\" aria-label=\"Play video: HAYDEN PANETTIERE Tells Her Truth For The First Time Ever (Custody, Addiction, Fame, Hollywood)\"><svg viewbox=\"0 0 68 48\" width=\"68\" height=\"48\" aria-hidden=\"true\"><path d=\"M66.5 7.7a8 8 0 0 0-5.6-5.7C56 .7 34 .7 34 .7s-22 0-26.9 1.3A8 8 0 0 0 1.5 7.7 83 83 0 0 0 .2 24a83 83 0 0 0 1.3 16.3 8 8 0 0 0 5.6 5.7C12 47.3 34 47.3 34 47.3s22 0 26.9-1.3a8 8 0 0 0 5.6-5.7A83 83 0 0 0 67.8 24a83 83 0 0 0-1.3-16.3z\" fill=\"#f00\"\/><path d=\"M27 34l18-10-18-10z\" fill=\"#fff\"\/><\/svg><\/button><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/figure>\n<p>According to what one source told <em>TMZ<\/em>, authorities are currently \u201czeroing in on a potential drug dealer.\u201d<\/p>\n<p>However, some discussions are jumping the gun a little.<\/p>\n<p>Technically, we do not yet know Panettiere\u2019s official cause of death.<\/p>\n<p>Right now, investigators are still awaiting full toxicology results. (These things rarely come back as quickly as they do on procedural dramas.)<\/p>\n<p>There have been no arrests in connection with her death. Panettiere had a documented and tragic <a href=\"https:\/\/www.thehollywoodgossip.com\/2026\/08\/hayden-panettiere-was-transported-to-hospital-on-gurney-twice-while-living-with-brian-hickerson-neighbor-claims\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">history of substance abuse<\/a>.<\/p>\n<figure class=\"wp-block-embed is-type-video is-provider-youtube wp-block-embed-youtube wp-embed-aspect-16-9 wp-has-aspect-ratio\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-embed__wrapper\">\n<div class=\"thg-ytf\" data-ytid=\"fIpLGNSJO-w\"><noscript><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/i.ytimg.com\/vi\/fIpLGNSJO-w\/hqdefault.jpg\" alt=\"Hayden Panettiere\u2019s Likely Cause of Death at 36 Revealed\" loading=\"lazy\" width=\"480\" height=\"360\"\/><\/noscript><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/i.ytimg.com\/vi\/fIpLGNSJO-w\/hqdefault.jpg\" alt=\"Hayden Panettiere\u2019s Likely Cause of Death at 36 Revealed\" loading=\"lazy\" width=\"480\" height=\"360\" class=\"lazyload\" data-trellis-processed=\"1\"\/><button type=\"button\" aria-label=\"Play video: Hayden Panettiere\u2019s Likely Cause of Death at 36 Revealed\"><svg viewbox=\"0 0 68 48\" width=\"68\" height=\"48\" aria-hidden=\"true\"><path d=\"M66.5 7.7a8 8 0 0 0-5.6-5.7C56 .7 34 .7 34 .7s-22 0-26.9 1.3A8 8 0 0 0 1.5 7.7 83 83 0 0 0 .2 24a83 83 0 0 0 1.3 16.3 8 8 0 0 0 5.6 5.7C12 47.3 34 47.3 34 47.3s22 0 26.9-1.3a8 8 0 0 0 5.6-5.7A83 83 0 0 0 67.8 24a83 83 0 0 0-1.3-16.3z\" fill=\"#f00\"\/><path d=\"M27 34l18-10-18-10z\" fill=\"#fff\"\/><\/svg><\/button><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/figure>\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-narcan-saves-lives-but-this-time-it-was-too-late\">Narcan saves lives (but this time, it was too late)<\/h2>\n<p>On August 16, Hayden Panettiere tragically passed away at home. Brian Hickerson\u2019s brother reportedly found her, and the two tried to resuscitate her by administering Narcan before emergency responders arrived.<\/p>\n<p>Unfortunately, it was too late.<\/p>\n<p>Some have suggested that having Narcan on hand is somehow damning or at least \u201ctelling.\u201d<\/p>\n<p>Actually, naloxone nasal spray has a 4-year shelf life and could potentially save a life at any time, including of a total stranger.<\/p>\n<p>Having medicine on hand it smart. Especially if there is a higher-than-zero chance of it saving the life of a member of your household.<\/p>\n<figure class=\"wp-block-embed is-type-video is-provider-youtube wp-block-embed-youtube wp-embed-aspect-16-9 wp-has-aspect-ratio\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-embed__wrapper\">\n<div class=\"thg-ytf\" data-ytid=\"IsuPYcrtkAI\"><noscript><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/i.ytimg.com\/vi\/IsuPYcrtkAI\/hqdefault.jpg\" alt=\"Hayden Panettiere\u2019s mother speaks out: ABC News exclusive\" loading=\"lazy\" width=\"480\" height=\"360\"\/><\/noscript><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/i.ytimg.com\/vi\/IsuPYcrtkAI\/hqdefault.jpg\" alt=\"Hayden Panettiere\u2019s mother speaks out: ABC News exclusive\" loading=\"lazy\" width=\"480\" height=\"360\" class=\"lazyload\" data-trellis-processed=\"1\"\/><button type=\"button\" aria-label=\"Play video: Hayden Panettiere\u2019s mother speaks out: ABC News exclusive\"><svg viewbox=\"0 0 68 48\" width=\"68\" height=\"48\" aria-hidden=\"true\"><path d=\"M66.5 7.7a8 8 0 0 0-5.6-5.7C56 .7 34 .7 34 .7s-22 0-26.9 1.3A8 8 0 0 0 1.5 7.7 83 83 0 0 0 .2 24a83 83 0 0 0 1.3 16.3 8 8 0 0 0 5.6 5.7C12 47.3 34 47.3 34 47.3s22 0 26.9-1.3a8 8 0 0 0 5.6-5.7A83 83 0 0 0 67.8 24a83 83 0 0 0-1.3-16.3z\" fill=\"#f00\"\/><path d=\"M27 34l18-10-18-10z\" fill=\"#fff\"\/><\/svg><\/button><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/figure>\n<p>Lesley Vogel, Panettiere\u2019s mother (a whole lot of baggage in <em>that <\/em>relationship, which probably set the stage for many of Panettiere\u2019s personal struggles as an adult), <a href=\"https:\/\/www.thehollywoodgossip.com\/2026\/08\/hayden-panettieres-mother-says-brian-hickerson-is-culpable-in-her-death\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">accused Hickerson of being culpable<\/a> in her death.<\/p>\n<p>In general, most people don\u2019t tend to like a man who pleaded no contest to punching her in a less-than-isolated incident of abuse.<\/p>\n<p>One could argue that her taking him back made people hate him more, not less. That is not unreasonable.<\/p>\n<p>However, it\u2019s unclear if investigators will find any legal link, let alone be able to prove culpability, in Panettiere\u2019s death.<\/p>\n<p>Truth be told, unless the drugs were not-as-advertised, finding the dealer isn\u2019t really going to help anyone get justice for this tragedy. <\/p>\n<div class=\"thg-endcard\" hidden=\"\" aria-label=\"Get the Hollywood Gossip app\"><noscript><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"thg-endcard-icon\" src=\"https:\/\/www.thehollywoodgossip.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/thg-ios-app-icon.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"60\" height=\"60\" loading=\"lazy\"\/><\/noscript><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"thg-endcard-icon lazyload\" src=\"https:\/\/www.thehollywoodgossip.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/thg-ios-app-icon.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"60\" height=\"60\" loading=\"lazy\" id=\"mv-trellis-img-1\" data-trellis-processed=\"1\"\/><\/p>\n<p><span class=\"thg-endcard-title\">Get the app \u2014 celeb news first<\/span><span class=\"thg-endcard-sub\">Push alerts the second a story breaks \u00b7 4.8\u2605 \u00b7 Free<\/span><\/p>\n<p><a class=\"thg-endcard-get\" href=\"https:\/\/apps.apple.com\/app\/apple-store\/id372387225?pt=367523&amp;ct=web-endcard-cta&amp;mt=8\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\">Get the App<\/a><\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<p><br \/>\n<br \/><a href=\"https:\/\/www.thehollywoodgossip.com\/2026\/09\/hayden-panettiere-death-brian-hickerson-dea-talks\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Source link <\/a><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Reading Time: 2 minutes At the time of Hayden Panettiere\u2019s tragic death, she was unfortunately back in a relationship with abusive boyfriend Brian Hickerson. In the wake of her passing, Hickerson has apparently been cooperating with investigators. A new report says that he has even met with the DEA in connection with Panettiere\u2019s death. Are [&hellip;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":262482,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[9],"tags":[],"class_list":{"0":"post-262481","1":"post","2":"type-post","3":"status-publish","4":"format-standard","5":"has-post-thumbnail","7":"category-hollywood"},"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/entertainment.runfyers.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/262481","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/entertainment.runfyers.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/entertainment.runfyers.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/entertainment.runfyers.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/1"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/entertainment.runfyers.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=262481"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/entertainment.runfyers.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/262481\/revisions"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/entertainment.runfyers.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/262482"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/entertainment.runfyers.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=262481"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/entertainment.runfyers.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=262481"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/entertainment.runfyers.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=262481"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}