Hayden Panettiere’s Director Says Her Team Discussed an ‘Intervention’ and Asked Him to Participate Before Her Death

**Filmmaker Reflects on Hayden Panettiere’s Struggles Amid Tragic Death**

Griff Furst, the director of one of Hayden Panettiere’s final films, has opened up about the late actress’s challenges with sobriety during the production of *A Breed Apart*. Panettiere, known for her vibrant roles and openness about personal issues, passed away on August 16 at the age of 36, reportedly from an overdose in South Carolina. Furst’s insights come in the wake of her untimely death, shining a light on the struggles she faced behind the scenes.

Furst directed *A Breed Apart*, which was completed in May 2025, and shared his experiences with Panettiere in a video posted online shortly after her death. He revealed that the actress was “fighting to stay sober” during filming. The filmmaker indicated that her team had contemplated an intervention to help her but, as far as he knows, the intervention never took place.

In his video, Furst expressed deep concern for Panettiere, stating he was “rooting” for her to overcome her addiction, a battle she had spoken about candidly in the past. “You can adjust the schedule, you can collect internal reporting and you can assign a handler to make sure that that individual is being taken care of as best as they can,” he noted, explaining the difficulties of addressing such issues in a film environment.

After filming wrapped, Furst maintained communication with Panettiere’s team, and discussions arose regarding the potential need for an intervention. He recalled being asked to assist, saying, “I said yes, and that intervention did not happen, at least not that I’m aware of.” Furst clarified that, while he was willing to help, he wasn’t in a position to lead efforts related to Panettiere’s well-being.

Amid these discussions, attention turned to Panettiere’s on-again, off-again relationship with Brian Hickerson, who was present during the film’s production. While Furst admitted he did not have all the facts regarding their relationship, he shared his observations. “Somebody fighting to stay sober… deserved better company around them than what I observed,” he remarked, reflecting on the dynamics on set.

Furst reminisced about his initial excitement to work with Panettiere, having known her talent for over a decade. However, he expressed concern when he noticed a “dark” energy surrounding her after her arrival on set. He mentioned that upon greeting her and Hickerson, it was apparent that Panettiere was not in a good place, although he refrained from sharing specifics regarding her condition.

Panettiere’s tumultuous relationship with Hickerson has been well documented. They began dating in 2018, but their relationship was marred by multiple incidents involving Hickerson’s legal troubles, including charges of domestic violence. In a 2021 court appearance, he pleaded no contest to felony counts relating to these allegations, leading to probation and rehabilitation obligations.

According to a recent report from the Greenville Police Department, Hickerson and his brother were present when Panettiere suffered cardiac arrest. Allegedly, he showed authorities a bag of medication that she had taken on the day of her passing.

In one of her last interviews, Panettiere expressed her complicated feelings about Hickerson, acknowledging the challenges of their relationship while also attempting to engage with forgiveness. She noted, “I am open to people who are willing to get help and make amends,” highlighting her desire to focus on rehabilitation and personal growth despite the difficulties she faced.

Panettiere spoke candidly about her struggles with addiction throughout her career. She revealed in a 2022 interview that her dependence on drugs and alcohol had escalated over the years. “I was on top of the world and I ruined it,” she said, reflecting on how her struggles negatively affected her life and work.

The official cause of Panettiere’s death has yet to be confirmed. Fans and colleagues alike continue to mourn her loss, while Furst’s heartfelt message serves as a poignant reminder of the pressures faced by many in the entertainment industry.

For anyone struggling with similar issues, support is available. Resources such as mental health hotlines and substance use advocacy organisations are accessible, offering help to those in crisis or needing someone to talk to.