Brian Hickerson was involved in a motorcycle collision in South Carolina shortly after collecting his brother from jail, adding another dramatic episode to the troubled period surrounding Hayden Panettiere’s death.
The 37-year-old was riding a Suzuki Hayabusa in Greenville on Sunday evening when the motorcycle allegedly clipped a vehicle in traffic.
His brother, Zach Hickerson, 38, was riding as a passenger and was thrown from the bike in the incident.
Footage obtained by the Daily Mail showed Zach limping at the roadside and examining his hand after the fall. He also appeared to have lost one of his shoes during the crash.
Witnesses said Brian helped his brother reach the curb before leaving the scene on the motorcycle.
Zach remained behind to exchange insurance information with the driver of the other vehicle.
It was not immediately established who was responsible for the collision, nor was it clear whether Zach suffered serious injuries.
Both brothers were reportedly wearing helmets.
Crash Came Shortly After Zach’s Release
The collision reportedly occurred at about 5:30 p.m., only minutes after Brian had collected Zach from the Greenville County Detention Center.
Zach had been detained overnight following an altercation at a Greenville bar on Saturday.
He was released on a $257.50 personal recognizance bond after being cited for disorderly conduct.
The brothers had reportedly been involved in a confrontation with other patrons at Wild Wing Cafe the previous night.
Brian was seen with blood on his face and was briefly placed in handcuffs, although he was not arrested in connection with the incident.
According to reports, Zach was considered highly intoxicated and was yelling profanities when police intervened.
Heckling Preceded the Bar Confrontation
The Saturday night confrontation reportedly escalated after Brian was taunted by another person at the establishment.
TMZ reported that a heckler accused him of being responsible for Panettiere’s death and referenced allegations of domestic abuse involving the former couple.
Video from the incident subsequently circulated online.
In the footage, Brian appeared to speak incoherently about Greenville police allegedly leaking information following the death of his former girlfriend.
Reports also alleged that he threw a bar stool backward during the confrontation.
Neither Brian nor Zach responded to requests from the Daily Mail for comment about the incidents.
Friends Describe Brian as Struggling
The latest incidents have emerged as people close to Brian say he has been struggling since Panettiere’s death.
According to the Daily Mail, friends claim Brian has spent much of the past several weeks at his grandmother’s home and has struggled to cope with the loss.
One friend described him as being in a deeply troubled state and suggested that he had become increasingly isolated.
The weekend outing was reportedly intended to encourage him to leave the house and socialize following Panettiere’s death.
Reports have also claimed that Brian has lost about 40 pounds since the actress died.
Panettiere Died in South Carolina
Panettiere, the Nashville actress and mother of one, was found unresponsive on August 16 at an upscale Airbnb in Greenville.
She had reportedly traveled from Los Angeles to South Carolina, where Brian had grown up.
According to a police report, Brian told investigators that he had been asleep and woke to find Panettiere unresponsive.
He said he administered Narcan before emergency responders arrived but was unable to revive her.
Brian and Zach reportedly attempted CPR before paramedics took over.
The police report described Zach as highly emotional while first responders attempted to save Panettiere.
Brian was initially described as stoic and became visibly emotional only after she was pronounced dead.
Investigators said Brian provided police with a bag containing medications Panettiere had been taking.
Cause of Death Remains Under Investigation
Panettiere’s official cause and manner of death had not been finalized in the information provided.
According to TMZ, multiple law-enforcement sources believe she may have taken a single oxycodone pill that was allegedly contaminated with fentanyl on the morning of her death.
Investigators are reportedly examining how the suspected counterfeit or contaminated pill was obtained and are looking into a longtime drug dealer based in Los Angeles.
Authorities are also said to be examining text messages between Panettiere and an alleged supplier, including communications exchanged shortly before her death.
Brian has reportedly spoken with federal investigators as part of the inquiry.
He has not been arrested or accused of wrongdoing in connection with Panettiere’s death.
The Greenville County Coroner’s Office told the Daily Mail that its investigation was nearing completion and that the official report would include the cause and manner of death.
A Volatile Relationship Marked by Abuse Allegations
Panettiere and Hickerson began dating in 2018, entering an on-and-off relationship that was later marked by domestic abuse allegations.
Brian was arrested in 2019 over an alleged attack involving Panettiere and was arrested again in Wyoming in February 2020.
In 2021, he pleaded no contest to two felony counts involving injuries to a spouse or girlfriend.
He received a 45-day sentence and ultimately served 13 days in custody.
Panettiere later discussed the relationship and the abuse she said she experienced in her memoir, describing a period in which addiction and violence became intertwined with her personal life.
Zach Had Also Been Linked to Panettiere
Zach Hickerson has also had a personal connection to Panettiere.
The Daily Mail previously reported that the actress briefly dated Zach while Brian was incarcerated on the domestic violence case.
The two were photographed holding hands in New York City in 2019.
At the time, an observer described them as appearing comfortable together.
Following Panettiere’s death, Zach described her as one of his “dearest and closest friends.”
Both Zach and Brian were present at the South Carolina property when Panettiere was found unresponsive.
Lawyer Urges Patience With Investigation
Brian’s attorney, Sloane Ellis, has previously urged people to allow authorities to complete their investigation into Panettiere’s death.
“Hayden’s death remains under investigation, and it is important to allow that investigation to proceed,” Ellis said.
The attorney also pointed to reports that police had found no signs of foul play.
The circumstances surrounding Panettiere’s death remain under examination as investigators work to determine the official cause and manner of death.
