Panettiere’s mum in first TV interview since actor’s death

Hayden Panettiere’s mother, Lesley Vogel, has shared her first TV interview since her daughter’s death. Panettiere, known for roles in *Heroes*, *Nashville*, and *Ice Princess*, died on August 16 in Greenville, South Carolina, after being found unresponsive and in cardiac arrest. First responders attempted resuscitation but pronounced her dead at the scene. Vogel, who has not appeared on TV since her second child’s death, described her initial reaction as numbness. She said, ‘I was numb. I just couldn’t feel anything. My mind tells me it’s not; at times, it’s going to be a process.’ She also addressed criticism, stating, ‘That’s my domain’—referring to her right to grieve privately. Panettiere’s parents, who divorced when she was young, previously lost their son Jansen in 2023 from an enlarged heart. The estrangement between Vogel and Panettiere intensified after Vogel intervened in her daughter’s relationship with Brian Hickerson, whom Panettiere later left. Hickerson faced domestic violence charges, including a 2021 plea deal for injuring a spouse or girlfriend. Vogel revealed that Panettiere had written in her memoir about a conflict with her mother over career management, though she insists her version differs. Vogel expressed hope that Panettiere will be remembered for her talent and personality. She also noted internal struggles, saying, ‘You can have all this on the outside but that doesn’t mean what’s happening inside matches.’ The Greenville City Police Department is investigating Panettiere’s death, with the DEA assisting. The cause remains under investigation, though no signs of foul play were found. Panettiere’s estate will be managed by her daughter, with a celebration of life planned for her family. A separate incident: Panettiere’s ex-boyfriend paid tribute to her late star, calling it ‘profound shock’ after fans boycotted a skin brand that sacked her.