United Kingdom, Aug. 20 -- Brian Hickerson's attorney hopes the investigation into Hayden Panettiere's death can "proceed" without interruptions.

The actress died, aged 36, at an apartment in Greenville, South Carolina, on August 16, and Sloan Ellis, the attorney of her on/off boyfriend, has now broken his silence on Panettiere's passing.

In a statement given to TMZ, Ellis said: "Hayden's death remains under investigation and it is important to allow that investigation to proceed.

"As has been publicly reported, police confirmed there were no signs of foul play. Out of respect for Hayden's loved ones and the ongoing investigation, there will be no further comment at this time."

Panettiere was found unresponsive, and she was pronounced...