Brian Hickerson’s sister discloses why she believes Hayden Panettiere kept going back to him

LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA: Brian Hickerson’s sister, Ashley Hickerson, opened up about her brother and the troubled relationship he shared with late Hayden Panettiere following her untimely death at 36.

Brian and the late actress had been in an on-and-off relationship for years. However, it seems Panettiere failed to end the relationship entirely as reports suggest she was allegedly still with him in her final days. 

Brian Hickerson’s sister calls him ‘the most charismatic person’

The ‘Nashville’ star was found dead on August 16 at an apartment in Greenville, South Carolina. As per reports, Brian and his brother Zach were also at the scene.

Now, in an interview with the Daily Mail, the brothers’ half-sister Ashley has said, “If I can say one thing about Brian, it's that he is the most charismatic person and he draws you in.”

Continuing further, she explained, “I get why Hayden was with him. Brian is just the type of person who can make you laugh no matter what and he can be fun.”

Brian Hickerson’s sister claims he ‘was getting help’ to fight his demons

Ashley, however, noted that “we all have our demons.” She said, “Brian was not raised that way,” before adding, “He did seek treatment and he was getting help.”

His sister also mentioned that Brian “did own up to” his issues. She further shared that despite the troubled relationship Panettiere shared with her brother, her family, especially her father, is mourning her.

“A massive tragedy has happened. My family is really feeling this loss as well. If I could be with them I would. My dad is devastated. He's taken it pretty hard,” she stated.

Ashley also asserted that “My family, they are amazing people. I'm very protective of them. My family and every family have their own issues.”

Brian Hickerson’s attorney refused to say much about Panettiere’s death

Meanwhile, Brian himself has not said anything in the aftermath of Panettiere’s death. His lawyer, Sloan Ellis, stated, “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,” Ellis added.

Hayden Panettiere’s mom called out Brian Hickerson after her death

But Panettiere’s mother Lesley Vogel heavily criticized Brian as she told NBC News, “This person in her life that we have been trying to get rid of for quite some time was with her at her death and that was Brian Hickerson.”

“I think Hayden was an amazingly talented person in so many departments and I think young people who grow up in the entertainment industry - it is a struggle and it’s a very challenging industry and it’s not unusual for them to sadly find the wrong path,” Vogel added.