Those who were closest to Hayden Panettiere are planning to come together this weekend in California for a celebration of her life and legacy, according to a report.
The gathering is expected to take place at a church in Malibu over the weekend, with around 150 people likely to attend, sources with direct knowledge told TMZ. Her loved ones reportedly chose the coastal location because of Panettiere’s love for the ocean and whales, and they plan to focus on all of the positive things in her life rather than the struggles she faced.
Her father, Skip Panettiere, is on the guest list as are a handful of Hollywood heavyweights and celebrities, though her mum, Lesley Vogel, her former boyfriend, Brian Hickerson, and his brother, Zach Hickerson, were not invited, per TMZ.
Panettiere was found unresponsive at an Airbnb in the Judson Mill Lofts in Greenville, South Carolina, on the afternoon of Aug 16. First responders provided “medical assistance” upon arrival, but the Heroes actress was pronounced dead at the scene a short time later. Both Hickerson and his brother were at the residence when authorities arrived.
In wake of Panettiere’s death, her mother released a statement, apparently referencing Hickerson, albeit not by name.
“Although my daughter and I were estranged, it was not for lack of care or love,” Vogel said. “It was due to the involvement of a toxic individual who I believe led to her death.”
She continued: “Hayden was a beautiful and talented young woman who unfortunately became involved with the wrong person, and although her family tried to extricate him from her life, we were unable to be successful.”
Panettiere’s death remains under investigation pending the completion of toxicology test, but TMZ has reported she likely died after ingesting a single oxycodone pill laced with fentanyl. She was 36 years old.
The Drug Enforcement Administration has since searched the actress’ home in Los Angeles. According to TMZ, they had a warrant for black market controlled substances, prescription medications, recreational drugs and drug paraphernalia. - New York Daily News/TNS
