Brian Hickerson is reportedly worried that Hayden Panettiere’s mother, Lesley Vogel, is determined to hold him responsible in the aftermath of the actress’ death.
A source told In Touch that Hickerson, 37, has become increasingly concerned as Vogel publicly questions his account of what happened before Panettiere died August 16 in Greenville, S.C.
“Brian swears up and down that he’s been completely honest about what happened the day Hayden died, but make no mistake, he’s terrified right now,” the source claimed.
Hickerson and his brother Zach were reportedly present when emergency responders arrived. Panettiere, 35, could not be revived.
Vogel has since raised questions about Hickerson’s accont of finding her daughter unresponsive.
“I don’t know how you can take a nap near someone who’s dying and not realize something’s wrong. How do you do that?” Vogel told the Daily Mail.
She has also said the family had been trying to remove Hickerson from Panettiere’s life “for quite some time.”
According to the In Touch source, Hickerson believes Vogel is putting him “through a trial in the media and he can’t fight back.”
His attorney, Sloan Ellis, has urged restraint while authorities investigate.
“Hayden’s death remains under investigation and it is important to allow the investigation to proceed,” Ellis previously said, adding that police reported “no signs of foul play.”
Panettiere is survived by her 11-year-old daughter, Kaya.
