Hayden Panettiere’s mother, Lesley Vogel, has issued another statement following criticism of her first comments about the actress’ death.
Speaking to Entertainment Tonight, Lesley addressed her estrangement from Hayden and insisted it did not stem from a lack of love. She also alleged that an unnamed “toxic individual” had played a role in her daughter’s death.
The remarks came days after Lesley criticised Hayden’s on-off boyfriend Brian Hickerson. However, she did not identify the person she meant in her latest statement.
Hayden Panettiere’s mother addresses their estrangement
Lesley told Entertainment Tonight: “Although my daughter and I were estranged, it was not for lack of care or love.”
She continued: “It was due to the involvement of a toxic individual who I believe led to her death.”
The grieving mother also claimed that Hayden’s family had tried to remove the person from the Nashville actress’ life.
Lesley said: “Hayden was a beautiful and talented young woman who unfortunately became involved with the wrong person, and although her family tried to extricate him from her life, we were unable to be successful.”
She ended her statement by asking people to focus on Hayden’s character and work.
“I hope all remember Hayden for the beautiful human being inside her and her gift to the world from her time on this earth,” she said. “My heart is with you, Hayden. Mama.”
Lesley Vogel previously named Brian Hickerson
Although Lesley did not name anyone in the Entertainment Tonight statement, she had discussed Hickerson during an earlier interview with NBC News.
She told the broadcaster: “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.”
Hickerson was reportedly at the scene when Hayden died. However, no official finding has established that he caused or contributed to her death.
His lawyer, Sloan Ellis, told The Sun that the investigation should be allowed to continue. The lawyer said: “Hayden’s death remains under investigation, and it is important to allow that investigation to proceed.”
Ellis added: “As has been publicly reported, police confirmed there were no signs of foul play.”
Hayden Panettiere’s cause of death remains unconfirmed
Hayden died aged 36 after she was found at an apartment in South Carolina. Reports have described her death as a suspected overdose, but authorities have not confirmed an official cause.
A preliminary police investigation reportedly found no indication of foul play or suspicious circumstances. The coroner’s findings remain pending, while Lesley has said that she and the family want answers.
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The investigation remains ongoing.
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