United Kingdom, Sept. 17 -- Brian Hickerson has spoken out for the first time since Hayden Panettiere's death.

The 37-year-old star, who was with the Heroes actress and his brother Zach Hickerson when she tragically died on August 16, has been asked how he's doing in the wake of her passing.

In footage obtained by E! News, which was filmed at a gas station on Wednesday (16.09.26), he said: "How do you think I'm doing?"

After a photographer was heard extending his condolences, Brian added: "Appreciate it. That's all I got for you, man."

The Nashville and Scream actress passed away last month at the age of 36 and investigations have been ongoing into the circumstances surrounding her death in South Carolina - with recent reports claimin...