Police paid a visit to the family home of Brian Hickerson, Hayden Panettiere’s on-and-off boyfriend, just days after the actress died suddenly at age 36.

According to Page Six, officers from the Greenville Police Department arrived at a residence belonging to one of Hickerson’s family members in Greenville, South Carolina, around 8:20 a.m. Wednesday. Officers reportedly knocked on several doors but received no response. After roughly three minutes, they left the property.

Police clarified that the visit was not connected to the investigation into Panettiere’s death.

A Greenville Police spokesperson told that officers “responded to a call for a welfare check” at a home belonging to Hickerson’s family. The spokesperson said the call was unrelated to the actress’ death and did not require an incident report.

Hickerson, 37, and his brother Zach were reportedly with Panettiere when she died, according to authorities.

What happened to Hayden Panettiere?

Panettiere was found unresponsive at a residence in Greenville on Sunday, Aug. 16, at around 1:50 p.m., according to police.

The Greenville County Coroner’s Office said first responders and emergency medical personnel immediately began advanced cardiac life support efforts. Despite their attempts, Panettiere could not be revived and was pronounced dead at 2:32 p.m.

She was 36.

Dispatch audio from around the time of the emergency reportedly included references to a possible overdose and cardiac arrest. However, authorities have not announced an official cause of death.

Panettiere was best known for her roles in Heroes and Nashville, as well as appearances in several films and television projects.

Panettiere and Hickerson’s complicated history

Panettiere and Hickerson were first romantically linked in 2018. Their relationship later became highly troubled, with Hickerson facing multiple arrests connected to domestic violence allegations in 2019 and 2020.

In 2021, Hickerson pleaded no contest to two felony counts involving injury to a partner stemming from his 2020 case. He was sentenced to 45 days in jail, four years of formal probation, domestic violence classes, restitution and a five-year protective order. He ultimately served 13 days behind bars, while other charges were dropped.

After his 2020 arrest, Panettiere publicly spoke about her experience and said she hoped sharing her story could encourage others experiencing abusive relationships to seek help.

Years later, however, the actress said she had reached a place of forgiveness. She and Hickerson had reconnected as friends, and Panettiere said she believed he had served his time and was willing to seek help.

Her family had remained concerned

Panettiere’s death has brought renewed attention to her complicated history with Hickerson.

In an interview with NBC News following her daughter’s death, Panettiere’s mother, Lesley Vogel, said the family had been trying to distance Hickerson from Hayden for a long time.

Vogel also expressed concern about what she described as Hickerson’s past influence on her daughter.

Panettiere’s father, Alan “Skip” Panettiere, confirmed her death in a statement shared through her representative, remembering her as an extraordinary person who brought love and happiness to those around her.

The actress is survived by her 11-year-old daughter, Kaya, whom she shared with former professional boxer Wladimir Klitschko.

As authorities continue working to establish the circumstances surrounding Panettiere’s death, her official cause of death has not yet been released.