United Kingdom, Aug. 18 -- Hayden Panettiere's parents had been trying to "get rid of" Brian Hickerson for some time before her death.

The Heroes actress passed away on Sunday (16.08.26) at the age of 36 and it has emerged her on/off boyfriend - who was previously jailed for domestic violence incidents involving the late star - and his brother, Zach Hickerson, were with her when she passed away at a South Carolina apartment building, with dispatch audio that has been made public referring to an "overdose" and "cardiac arrest".

Hayden had a history of substance abuse and alcoholism, and her estranged mom, Lesley Vogel, accused Brian of having "enabled" her over the years.

She told NBC News: "This person in her life that we have been try...