Brian Hickerson, the ex-boyfriend of the late Hayden Panettiere, crashed his motorcycle into the back of a car Sunday around 5:30 p.m. while riding home with his brother Zach, according to TMZ. The collision threw Zach off the Suzuki Hayabusa. He was wearing a helmet, lost a shoe, and was seen inspecting his hand, though it’s unclear how seriously he was hurt. Brian then drove off on the bike, leaving Zach at the scene.
The ride home followed a rough weekend for the family. Zach was arrested Saturday for disorderly conduct after a fight with other patrons at Wild Wing Cafe in Greenville, South Carolina. He told TMZ he was frustrated by alleged heckling about Panettiere’s death, saying people believe the rumors and then attack as a result. Panettiere died on August 16 at age 36, and her death remains under investigation by the DEA.
The crash adds another layer to a story that’s already heavy with speculation and grief. Brian’s attorney has issued a statement on Panettiere’s death, and investigators have stressed the importance of letting that process play out. In the meantime, the family keeps making headlines for all the wrong reasons.
What do you think — should the public back off while the investigation is still open, or is this family fair game? Sound off in the comments.
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Local Lawton
Local Lawton is a contributor to LocalBeat, covering local news and community stories.