US3 min(s) read
Hayden Panettiere was remembered by around 150 family members, friends and former co-stars at a memorial service in Malibu over the weekend, but it was who wasn’t there that prompted speculation.
Panettiere died on August 16 at the age of 36, just days before her 37th birthday.
Several people closely connected to the late actress were notably absent from the celebration of her life, including her estranged mother Lesley Vogel, as well as Hayden's boyfriend Brian Hickerson, and his brother Zach Hickerson.
According to TMZ, Lesley had been invited to the service, but was unable to attend because of a last-minute family emergency, with a source close to Hayden's mother reportedly denying that she had been excluded from the memorial.
Hayden's father, Skip Panettiere, was present at the ceremony, which was held at Malibu Pacific Church on Saturday evening, with a number of the actress’ Hollywood friends and former co-stars turning out to pay their respects.
Among those attending were her former Nashville co-stars Connie Britton, Jonathan Jackson, and Sam Palladio, alongside Ruby Rose, Evan Ross, Beverly D'Angelo, Storm Santos, Caroline D'Amore, Cameron Richardson, and Paris Hilton.
TMZ reported that guests later gathered outside for a dove release during the ceremony, with photos from the memorial showing Hayden's father Skip wearing a suit with Hawaiian-style lei flowers around his neck as he joined mourners celebrating his daughter's life.
Jonathan Jackson was also pictured alongside Sam Palladio, with Jackson reportedly becoming emotional during the service. Ruby Rose, who had previously described Hayden as her "best friend", was among those paying tribute to the actress following her death.
The absence of Brian Hickerson was particularly notable given the circumstances surrounding Hayden's death.
Hayden was found unresponsive at an Airbnb in Greenville, South Carolina, on August 16. According to reports, Brian was asleep at the property when his brother Zach arrived and discovered Hayden unresponsive before calling 911.
First responders attempted to revive the actress but were unable to do so.
Narcan was reportedly found inside the rental property, and Zach later told TMZ that Brian administered it after Hayden was discovered unconscious.
Law enforcement sources subsequently told TMZ they believe Hayden died after taking a black-market oxycodone pill that had been laced with fentanyl.
TMZ has reported that investigators believe Hayden may have taken the pill on the morning of her death, with circumstances surrounding the source of the drugs also becoming part of the investigation.
Around 150 people reportedly attended the church service, which sources described to TMZ as "beautiful".
With the authorities still investigating the actress’ death, the circumstances around Hayden’s death have yet to be officially confirmed.
