Hayden Panettiere's Boyfriend Brian Hickerson Speaks Out After Her Death

Brian Hickerson is breaking his silence following the death of Hayden Panettiere ... but he isn't saying much.

Brian's attorney, Sloan Ellis from the Ellis Hinton law firm, tells TMZ ... "Hayden's death remains under investigation and it is important to allow that investigation to proceed."

The statement continues ... "As has been publicly reported, police confirmed there were no signs of foul play."

It ends ... "Out of respect for Hayden's loved ones and the ongoing investigation, there will be no further comment at this time."

Ellis is a former federal prosecutor who has worked hand-in-hand with the DEA and FBI on past cases ... which is notable, considering we first reported that the DEA has joined the multi-agency investigation.

As we first told you ... Brian and his brother, Zach Hickerson, were both at the South Carolina apartment when Hayden died. Brian was asleep in the other room and Zach came in to find her unresponsive on an armchair.

First responders tried to save her, but she was ultimately pronounced dead at the scene ... and Brian reportedly became visibly emotional as efforts to save her came to an end.

Police say Brian showed them a bag of medications Hayden was taking before she died.

Brian and Hayden had a long, complicated history together.

The two began dating in 2018, and their relationship later became the subject of multiple domestic violence cases involving Brian.