Inside the Greenville Apartment Complex Where Hayden Panettiere Spent Her Final Hours

| August 21, 2026 | Celebrity | No Comments

The location where Hayden Panettiere spent her last moments contrasts sharply with typical rental properties. Images of this complex provide insight into the environment that surrounded the actress just before her untimely passing.

At 36 years old, Hayden Panettiere was residing at the Greenville property alongside Brian Hickerson, her on-and-off boyfriend, when the tragic event occurred on August 16. Her death has raised numerous unanswered questions regarding the circumstances within the rental during that fateful day.

Although no photos have been publicly released of the specific apartment where the actress passed away, the complex has shared images on social media that depict other residences and communal areas within the extensive former mill, offering a surprisingly personal glimpse into the setting.

A Frantic Situation Unfolds

On August 15, Panettiere journeyed from Los Angeles to South Carolina with her boyfriend, Brian Hickerson. The next day, while they were inside an Airbnb in Greenville, Hickerson’s brother Zach entered the apartment and found Panettiere unresponsive in a chair in the living room, according to reports.

At that moment, Hickerson was reportedly asleep in a separate bedroom. Emergency services were called to the residence around 1:50 PM, and personnel attempted to revive her but were unsuccessful; Panettiere was declared dead at 2:32 PM.

As reported, the 911 call was made by Hickerson and his brother after discovering Panettiere. The police report indicated that Hickerson was present at the Airbnb during the incident, although the specifics of his presence were not immediately clear.

The distressing emergency call revealed further troubling details, as dispatch recordings suggested a potential overdose, and Narcan was discovered within the apartment. However, this information does not clarify the cause of Panettiere’s passing, which remains unknown.

Witness Accounts of the Disturbance

The events inside the building did not escape the notice of neighbors. One resident described hearing significant commotion in the hallway that day, mentioning that the acoustics in the hall allowed sounds to travel easily.

Micah Lee, a neighbor, reported hearing ‘someone collapsing’ before the discussions regarding a cardiac arrest began. He admitted that he could not confirm these details but shared what he had heard.

Lee’s account aligned with the official description of the incident, which was recorded as a cardiac arrest, though it does not clarify what occurred inside the apartment.

Another resident expressed disbelief upon learning that Panettiere had died in the complex, stating they had never seen her there before the news broke. They also noticed police presence at the scene for several hours and observed two men outside the apartment appearing to be in shock.

The resident noted that the management reached out to inform residents that the incident was not deemed criminal and there was no cause for concern regarding their safety.

Additionally, the resident mentioned that the apartment appeared to be a rental, supporting reports that it was an Airbnb.

Details About the Building

Panettiere was staying in Judson Mill Lofts, which is a repurposed historic textile mill in Greenville. This aspect is significant when considering the property’s aesthetic.

None of the images shared below are confirmed to depict Panettiere’s specific apartment but showcase other units, communal spaces, and amenities at the complex.

These visuals provide a rare chance to understand the type of environment Panettiere may have been in during her brief stay and highlight the property’s distinct departure from typical apartment complexes.

The industrial design of the building is prominent, featuring exposed brickwork, expansive windows, polished concrete flooring, wooden beams, high ceilings, and visible mechanical elements.

Judson Mill Lofts describes its apartments with characteristics like exposed brick, floor-to-ceiling windows, and loft-style layouts.

Although these photos do not depict the exact room where Panettiere was found, they illustrate the atmosphere surrounding the final moments of her life.

Exploring the Lofts: Blend of Old and New

One unit features a bright and modern kitchen outfitted with tall white cabinetry, stainless-steel appliances, and dark countertops.

A black-and-white patterned backsplash complements the counters, while a large island occupies the foreground. To the left, a wooden staircase with black metal rails leads to an upper level, showcasing the open, multi-level loft design.

A kitchen inside a Judson Mill Lofts apartment features white cabinetry, stainless-steel appliances, a patterned backsplash and a large island, with a wooden staircase adding to the loft's industrial-style design.
A kitchen inside a Judson Mill Lofts apartment features white cabinetry, stainless-steel appliances, a patterned backsplash and a large island, with a wooden staircase adding to the loft’s industrial-style design.

The dining area is highlighted by a dark rectangular table surrounded by black chairs, positioned in front of large windows that overlook another brick portion of the mill.

A cozy living area inside a Judson Mill Lofts apartment features a plush sectional, exposed brick walls and oversized industrial-style windows overlooking the historic mill buildings.
A cozy living area inside a Judson Mill Lofts apartment features a plush sectional, exposed brick walls and oversized industrial-style windows overlooking the historic mill buildings.

The kitchen in this collection adheres to the property’s black-and-white color scheme, featuring white cabinets, dark surfaces, and a small hexagonal backsplash.

A dining area inside a Judson Mill Lofts apartment features a dark wood table, black chairs and oversized windows framed by exposed brick.
A dining area inside a Judson Mill Lofts apartment features a dark wood table, black chairs and oversized windows framed by exposed brick.

The bathroom complements the overall style with white cabinetry, black fixtures, a dark countertop, and a spacious mirror.

A view from inside the loft highlights the apartment’s open layout, leading from the kitchen area toward the dining space and its oversized windows.
A view from inside the loft highlights the apartment’s open layout, leading from the kitchen area toward the dining space and its oversized windows.

Daylight floods the space, reflected by the polished concrete floor. A large ceiling fan and minimalist pendant lighting accentuate the industrial feel without overwhelming the decor.

The kitchen continues the loft’s modern-industrial look, pairing crisp white cabinetry with black countertops, stainless-steel appliances and a textured backsplash.
The kitchen continues the loft’s modern-industrial look, pairing crisp white cabinetry with black countertops, stainless-steel appliances and a textured backsplash.

A prominent silver ventilation duct runs overhead, and a black structural column rises through the space. This unfurnished apartment allows for a better appreciation of its scale and industrial design.

A serene bedroom offers a softer side of the loft, with a low wooden bed, neutral bedding and a small touch of greenery against the otherwise minimalist backdrop.
A serene bedroom offers a softer side of the loft, with a low wooden bed, neutral bedding and a small touch of greenery against the otherwise minimalist backdrop.

The adjoining bathroom boasts a long double vanity with white cabinetry, black countertops, and matching fixtures, accompanied by a glass-enclosed shower featuring white tiles.

The bathroom carries the same clean, modern aesthetic, with a double vanity, black fixtures and hardware, and a wide mirror that brightens the space.
The bathroom carries the same clean, modern aesthetic, with a double vanity, black fixtures and hardware, and a wide mirror that brightens the space.

A patterned rug, coffee table, and potted plant warm up the space, contrasting the raw concrete and brick architecture.

In the same collection, a separate bedroom features a low wooden platform bed dressed in white and gray linens, along with matching nightstands and a large cream rug.

A larger loft highlights the property’s signature industrial architecture, with soaring arched windows, exposed brick walls and a wood-paneled vaulted ceiling.
A larger loft highlights the property’s signature industrial architecture, with soaring arched windows, exposed brick walls and a wood-paneled vaulted ceiling.

The shared areas of the complex maintain the industrial vibe. The leasing office features polished concrete flooring, exposed brick pillars, and an open ceiling adorned with visible ductwork, pipes, and modern lighting. A spacious seating area contains a dark sofa, green and cream chairs, and leather lounge chairs atop a patterned rug.

Deeper into the space, tables and chairs are arranged near the glass entrance, fostering a welcoming communal environment.

An unfurnished loft reveals the property's industrial bones, from the polished concrete floor and exposed wood ceiling to the prominent ventilation duct and structural column.
An unfurnished loft reveals the property’s industrial bones, from the polished concrete floor and exposed wood ceiling to the prominent ventilation duct and structural column.
The open-plan kitchen pairs white cabinetry and stainless-steel appliances with a black-and-white backsplash, while exposed beams and ductwork overhead preserve the loft's industrial character.
The open-plan kitchen pairs white cabinetry and stainless-steel appliances with a black-and-white backsplash, while exposed beams and ductwork overhead preserve the loft’s industrial character.
A bright bathroom features a white vanity, black fixtures and a subway-tile tub surround, continuing the simple, contemporary finishes seen throughout the loft.
A bright bathroom features a white vanity, black fixtures and a subway-tile tub surround, continuing the simple, contemporary finishes seen throughout the loft.

Panettiere’s passing has sparked renewed discussions about her long-documented battles with addiction, which she had openly addressed for years.

A long sightline through the loft connects the kitchen to the open living area, with exposed wood beams and a tall arched window drawing attention to the property's distinctive architecture.
A long sightline through the loft connects the kitchen to the open living area, with exposed wood beams and a tall arched window drawing attention to the property’s distinctive architecture.

She later detailed her struggles with alcohol, substance dependency, depression, and anxiety, alongside the painful custody issues surrounding her daughter, Kaya, with former fiancé Wladimir Klitschko.

A bright bathroom pairs a generous double vanity with a glass-enclosed shower, bringing together white cabinetry, dark countertops and black fixtures.
A bright bathroom pairs a generous double vanity with a glass-enclosed shower, bringing together white cabinetry, dark countertops and black fixtures.

She stated, ‘The idea that anybody would think that I would just give away my child and be OK with it is heartbreaking.’ This sentiment was far from the truth for her.

Panettiere described years spent dealing with depression, anxiety, alcoholism, and substance issues while attempting to rebuild her life. By 2026, she was actively promoting her memoir, ‘This Is Me: A Reckoning.’

A more colorful take on the loft shows a mustard-yellow sectional and rust-toned chair set against exposed brick and oversized windows, with layered furnishings adding warmth to the industrial space.
A more colorful take on the loft shows a mustard-yellow sectional and rust-toned chair set against exposed brick and oversized windows, with layered furnishings adding warmth to the industrial space.

Coping with the Loss of Her Brother

A warm bedroom setup pairs a low wooden platform bed with layered gray-and-white bedding, matching nightstands and a plush cream rug beneath it.
A warm bedroom setup pairs a low wooden platform bed with layered gray-and-white bedding, matching nightstands and a plush cream rug beneath it.

In a 2024 interview, she shared the emotional toll of losing her only sibling, stating, ‘When I lost him, I felt like I lost half of my soul.’ This profound loss reshaped her perspective on daily struggles.

A view from the staircase opens onto the loft’s living area below, highlighting its multi-level design, soaring ceilings and expansive windows.
A view from the staircase opens onto the loft’s living area below, highlighting its multi-level design, soaring ceilings and expansive windows.

Autopsy Results and Ongoing Investigation

The leasing office blends the mill's industrial history with a polished, welcoming feel, featuring exposed brick, concrete floors and a lounge area filled with midcentury-inspired seating.
The leasing office blends the mill’s industrial history with a polished, welcoming feel, featuring exposed brick, concrete floors and a lounge area filled with midcentury-inspired seating.

However, the examination ruled out trauma as a factor. According to a report, the autopsy found no signs of trauma that could have contributed to her death.

The shared lounge extends toward the entrance, where casual seating and communal tables give the former mill space a more social, lived-in feel.
The shared lounge extends toward the entrance, where casual seating and communal tables give the former mill space a more social, lived-in feel.
The communal area continues along a row of glass-fronted rooms and workspaces, with high-top seating and a long table adding to the loft's open, contemporary feel.
The communal area continues along a row of glass-fronted rooms and workspaces, with high-top seating and a long table adding to the loft’s open, contemporary feel.

Brian Hickerson’s Complicated Role

The property’s outdoor amenities offer a striking contrast to its industrial interiors, with a resort-style pool surrounded by seating and the historic mill buildings.
The property’s outdoor amenities offer a striking contrast to its industrial interiors, with a resort-style pool surrounded by seating and the historic mill buildings.

In 2019, Hickerson faced a felony charge for injuring a spouse after an alleged physical confrontation. He was released after posting a $50,000 bond, and at that time, a conviction could have led to a four-year prison sentence.

In 2020, he was arrested in Wyoming following claims of striking Panettiere, and later charges in California included several felonies related to alleged assaults and an attempt to dissuade her as a witness.

An exterior view shows one of the property's loft-style entrances, with the original brick facade, tall windows and a private fenced patio adding to the complex's distinctive character.
An exterior view shows one of the property’s loft-style entrances, with the original brick facade, tall windows and a private fenced patio adding to the complex’s distinctive character.

His sentence included 45 days in jail, four years of probation, completion of domestic violence classes, restitution, and a protective order lasting five years.

Panettiere had previously spoken about the abuse she endured and explained her decision to work with prosecutors.

Her attorney characterized her as a survivor of extensive psychological, emotional, and physical abuse. Despite their problematic history, Panettiere and Hickerson continued to have an on-and-off relationship, being together again at the time of her passing.

Hayden Panettiere had only complained about back pain during the last year of her life. In this photo, she attended the opening of Dylan's Candy Bar on October 16, 2001, in New York City, New York.
Hayden Panettiere had only complained about back pain during the last year of her life. In this photo, she attended the opening of Dylan’s Candy Bar on October 16, 2001, in New York City, New York.

A Tragic End Far from Hollywood

Panettiere’s father, Skip, announced her passing, describing her as a remarkable presence in the lives of family and friends.

‘She was an incredible light and a force of nature who brought immeasurable love and joy to all who knew her — and to the millions who watched her onscreen. We ask for privacy as our family takes time to process this unimaginable loss,’ he stated.

If you or anyone you know is contemplating suicide, it is crucial to reach out to the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 1-800-273-TALK (8255), text ‘help’ to the Crisis Text Line at 741-741, or visit suicidepreventionlifeline.org.

Hayden Panettiere also discussed the heartbreaking loss of her brother Jansen in her memoir. At this event, she arrived with him at the NBC/Universal Golden Globe After Party at the Beverly Hilton on January 15, 2007, in Beverly Hills, California.
Hayden Panettiere also discussed the heartbreaking loss of her brother Jansen in her memoir. At this event, she arrived with him at the NBC/Universal Golden Globe After Party at the Beverly Hilton on January 15, 2007, in Beverly Hills, California.
Brian Hickerson faced multiple arrests, serious allegations, and legal troubles throughout their turbulent relationship. During this outing, she was seen with him on January 31, 2019, in Los Angeles, California.
Brian Hickerson faced multiple arrests, serious allegations, and legal troubles throughout their turbulent relationship. During this outing, she was seen with him on January 31, 2019, in Los Angeles, California.
Hayden Panettiere entered one of the most difficult periods of her romantic life that year. During this outing, she was seen on August 2, 2018, in Los Angeles, California.
Hayden Panettiere entered one of the most difficult periods of her romantic life that year. During this outing, she was seen on August 2, 2018, in Los Angeles, California.
Despite everything, they remained together for a long time. At this event, she was seen with Brian Hickerson at the celebration of life for Jansen Panettiere on March 8, 2023, in Palisades, New York.
Despite everything, they remained together for a long time. At this event, she was seen with Brian Hickerson at the celebration of life for Jansen Panettiere on March 8, 2023, in Palisades, New York.
Hayden Panettiere attended the Hollywood Christmas Parade with her father, Skip Panettiere. Years later, Skip would be the family member to issue the first public statement after her death.
Hayden Panettiere attended the Hollywood Christmas Parade with her father, Skip Panettiere. Years later, Skip would be the family member to issue the first public statement after her death.