Hayden Panettiere’s boyfriend hires lawyers after her death in South Carolina

Digital Content Producer

Hayden Panettiere‘s boyfriend has hired a lawyer after the American actress died in Greenville, South Carolina, on Sunday, Aug. 16.

The coroner’s office said an autopsy revealed no signs of trauma. Dispatch audio referred to a possible overdose, but law enforcement has not said whether that actually happened. Panettiere’s cause of death has not yet been determined; however, prior to her death, she spoke openly about her struggles with addiction and postpartum depression.

Brian Hickerson hires legal representation

On Thursday, Sloan Ellis and Brandi Hinton of the Ellis Hinton law firm stated that they are representing Panettiere’s boyfriend, Brian Hickerson. Hickerson was with Panettiere when she died.

Ellis Hinton released the following statement:

“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.

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

Police at Hickerson family home

The statement comes after Greenville police said officers responded to a home belonging to Hickerson’s family on Wednesday morning. Greenville police said the call was unrelated to the Hayden Panettiere death investigation and did not require an incident report.

DEA joins investigation

According to reports from the New York Times and ABC News, the Drug Enforcement Administration has joined the investigation into Panettiere’s death.