Hayden Panettiere's Rep Condemns Gossip and Speculation as Death Investigation Continues

Hayden Panettiere's representative condemned those fueling "gossip and speculation" about her death, urging anyone with helpful information to contact law enforcement instead of speaking to media, as an active investigation continues. The rep stated that "many people who were not close to Hayden are using her death as an opportunity to fuel gossip," adding there is "much more to this story" and that those closest to her are cooperating with authorities. The statement follows media comments from neighbors at her West Hollywood residence. Panettiere died Aug. 16 at age 36 in a South Carolina Airbnb, with no signs of trauma found in preliminary autopsy results. Her on-off boyfriend Brian Hickerson and his brother were present, and a full report is expected in eight weeks.