The passing of actress Hayden Panettiere has left her mourning ‘second mom’ shattered. The actress, known for her roles in “Heroes” and “Nashville,” succumbed to struggles at only 36, despite her relentless efforts to confront the challenges that haunted her life.

On a somber Sunday afternoon, Panettiere was found unresponsive in her Greenville, South Carolina, residence. An acquaintance, upon discovering her condition, called emergency services, reporting her in cardiac arrest.

Although responders did everything to revive her, Panettiere was tragically pronounced dead at the scene.

Authorities disclosed that their initial inquiry revealed no evidence of foul play or suspicious elements, and an autopsy confirmed that there was no trauma-related cause contributing to her untimely demise.

As of now, the official cause and specifics surrounding her death remain undisclosed.

Now Lynsey Lonberg, 73, a longtime family friend whom Panettiere described in her memoir, This Is Me: A Reckoning, as her ‘second mother,’ has spoken of her anguish at losing the little girl she watched grow into a Hollywood star.

Sitting at the bar of a restaurant in Piermont, New York, on Monday afternoon, Lonberg remembered the animal-loving child who played at her home, the fiercely focused actress she became – and the painful struggles she believes ultimately overwhelmed her.

‘She referred to me in her book as her second mother,’ Lonberg told the Daily Mail. ‘She was like a child to me.’  

Lonberg, still living in Rockland, knew Hayden since she was a toddler and has kept in touch with her over the years, remaining close with Hayden’s father, Alan ‘Skip’ Panettiere.

After the news broke Sunday night, she called Hayden’s father and left a message offering her condolences.

‘I can’t imagine losing a child, but for him to lose both of his children, I can’t imagine how difficult that must be for a parent. It’s just so devastating.

‘He’s a strong man. But how do you pull through this? I don’t know how.’

She said Hayden and her brother Jansen, who died in 2023 at age 28, were close friends with her own children growing up.

That bond appears to have stretched back decades. After Jansen’s death in 2023, Lonberg shared a childhood photograph from 1999 showing Jansen in Palisades, New York.

‘Little Friends,’ she captioned the touching throwback.

Hayden would regularly stop by to visit her children and her animals.

‘We grew up with a lot of animals in our house, miniature horses, chickens, turkeys, donkeys.’ Lynsey recalled. ‘Hayden used to come down here and play with them. She loved them so much. Once we had a baby chicken who died, and she became hysterical.

‘She’s always been very emotional,’ she added.

Lynsey was struggling to understand Hayden’s death. 

She said she was aware of Hayden’s struggles in her adult life, including with the birth of her daughter in 2014.

’When she had her child, she had a very difficult delivery, and really hard postpartum,’ she said.

‘Not a week of being depressed. It went on for a very long time.

‘It took her a long time to get herself back together,’ Lynsey continued. ‘I think working organized things for her. She was a hard worker, focused.’

Hayden had also told her about challenges she faced with drugs.

‘She tried and tried and tried to get past her struggles,’ she said, ‘but she was an actress. She told me that when you go working on a set, all kinds of pills, liquor, all kinds of things are available where you can get anything you want.

‘This kid didn’t have a chance,’ she said. ‘I don’t think she would have gone down the road she went down if it hadn’t been for Hollywood.’

Panettiere’s daughter went to live with the father in Ukraine.

‘She did the best she could for her daughter,’ she said. ‘It was impossible for her keep up what she was doing as an actress and trying to take care of her daughter.

‘She was trying to overcome the problems she had with drugs.’

Hayden would continue to visit her father, who lives with his second wife in Piermont.

They live just a few doors down from the restaurant where she was sitting, Sidewalk Bistro.

‘She comes to visit her father, and she comes in here because it’s safe,’ she said. ‘She was a celebrity, but most people here would leave her alone here. She’s always felt comfortable.’

In Spain, the discovery of mysterious injuries on one of the world’s most ancient orcas has prompted an investigation, sparking concerns about the possibility of an attack on the renowned killer whale. This incident comes amidst years of fraught interactions between orcas and boats.

Toñi, the oldest recorded Iberian orca, recently surfaced in the Strait of Gibraltar with several fresh wounds spanning her dorsal fin and back—suspected by conservationists to be inflicted by shotgun pellets. Just a few weeks prior, photos of Toñi showed no such injuries.

Currently, Spanish officials, informed by Spain’s Ministry for the Ecological Transition and the Demographic Challenge (MITECO), are examining the injuries on the orca known as Toñi. The marks she bears this week are being assessed for compatibility with pellet shot damage.

The Ministry became aware of Toñi’s condition on August 11, thanks to information provided by the marine conservation group WeWhale. This organization, which collaborates with government authorization, operates within the area.

Officials opened preliminary investigative proceedings the next day to determine what happened and potentially identify those responsible.

While Spanish authorities have stopped short of concluding that Toñi was shot, conservation groups WeWhale and Iberian Orca Guardians said their teams believe the appearance, number and distribution of the wounds point to a shotgun discharge.

The groups said the injuries appeared suddenly. They had photographed and observed Toñi only weeks earlier, when the wounds were not present.

WeWhale said its team counted roughly 10 apparent pellet impacts on the left side of her dorsal fin. At least two or three projectiles appear to have passed straight through the fin, while others may still be lodged inside, according to the group.

At an estimated 60 years old, Toñi could face added risks from the injuries. WeWhale said the fin has a rich blood supply and helps the animal regulate its body temperature, meaning the wounds could lead to tissue damage, swelling or infection. If pellets remain lodged inside, the group warned that an infection could, in the worst case, become life-threatening.

For now, however, there are encouraging signs. WeWhale said Toñi appears to be swimming and hunting normally, and its team will continue watching her closely.

“We know Toñi. We were with her a few weeks ago and these wounds were not there,” Janek Andre, founder and president of WeWhale and the Iberian Orca Guardians Foundation, said in a statement.

Andre said the groups are now seeing “multiple impact wounds” across the animal’s dorsal fin and back that they believe are consistent with a shotgun blast.

“If someone has deliberately fired a shotgun at her, this is not only an act of extreme cruelty against an individual animal,” Andre said. “It is an attack on one of the last remaining members of a critically endangered population.”

Toñi, also known as “La Abuela,” or “the grandmother,” is the oldest known member of the Iberian orca population, according to the conservation groups. Her population in the Strait of Gibraltar and Gulf of Cádiz is classified as vulnerable under Spain’s Catalog of Endangered Species.

The stakes for anyone found responsible could be steep. Spanish law prohibits killing, capturing, pursuing or disturbing protected species, and violations of regulations protecting the orcas can carry penalties of up to 2 million euros, equivalent to about $2.3 million, along with potential criminal liability, according to MITECO.

The ministry’s General Directorate of Biodiversity, Forests and Desertification is investigating the incident.

The investigation comes amid years of documented interactions between Iberian orcas and boats off the Iberian Peninsula.

Since 2020, orcas in the region have repeatedly interacted with vessels in Atlantic waters, prompting Spanish authorities to issue guidance aimed at protecting boaters, vessels and the animals. Officials advise sailors not to use deterrent measures that could kill, injure or disturb the cetaceans.

WeWhale said the apparent shooting should not be viewed as an acceptable response to those encounters.

“There has been enormous public discussion about Iberian orcas and their interactions with vessels,” Andre said. “Whatever someone’s opinion about those interactions may be, shooting at these animals can never be an acceptable response.”

The conservation groups said they are preserving their original photographs and observational records and will continue monitoring Toñi’s physical condition and behavior as the government investigation moves forward.

Authorities have not announced a suspect or identified anyone who may be responsible for the injuries.

DEAR ABBY: At 54, I’ve reconnected with “Neil,” my best friend from childhood, after 40 years apart, and we’re now engaged. While I don’t have children, Neil has two daughters, aged 11 and 13. The younger one is currently in therapy and on medication for depression and anxiety. I care for them deeply, as though they were my own. Their mother, however, is largely absent and neglectful, a fact that Neil can’t stand.

Unfortunately, Neil’s own behavior isn’t exemplary. He struggles with intense anger issues and has lashed out at me with harsh insults, often in front of his daughters. Despite seeking help through couples therapy, Neil still battles with his temper and excessive drinking, and is unable to set boundaries or enforce discipline, leaving the children without proper guidance from either parent.

I’m deeply unhappy and considering ending the relationship, yet after nearly five years together, the thought of leaving is wrenching. Not only would Neil be shattered, but the girls too, especially the younger one whose reaction I fear. Leaving would be as much a blow to me as it is to them.

I am dealing with bipolar disorder, and the strain on my mental and emotional well-being is palpable. The stress is also taking a toll on my physical health, causing issues like weight loss, psoriasis, and digestive problems. I’m lost, as my therapist hasn’t been very supportive. What should I do? — OVER MY HEAD IN NEW YORK

DEAR OVER: It seems your first step should be finding a new therapist who better suits your needs. Once you’ve regained some stability, remember that you do not have to shoulder Neil’s problems. Al-Anon meetings could provide you with support and clarity, helping you recognize that his struggles with anger and alcohol are not your burden to bear.

Neil’s children are not and should not be your responsibility. If you haven’t been able to establish a healthy, stable environment for them (at least when they are staying with their dad), accept that it isn’t likely to happen. Explain to the children that it is not their fault that you are leaving, and then move on.

** ** **

DEAR ABBY: My husband and I have been married for 26 years. I have often felt as if we were growing apart, often finding interests in different things. We seem unable to discuss our emotions without one of us getting hurt feelings and the talk devolving into awful arguments. There has never been any real question of extramarital affairs.

One night, I playfully asked if I could go through his computer. He immediately became defensive, saying he just doesn’t like people getting into his computer, messing with his stuff. I get that. I wouldn’t want just anybody getting into my computer, either. However, I am not just anybody; I’m his wife. He has full access to all of my computers, phones and digital accessories. Why do I feel like he’s got something to hide? I don’t know what to do. — PRESUMPTION OF GUILT

DEAR PRESUMPTION: Pressing your husband on this issue right now will only lead to more arguments. If you want to repair the marriage, you both need to learn to communicate more effectively. Without mentioning his computer, invite your husband to see a licensed family therapist with you. If he refuses, go without him. If he agrees, work on the basics now and save the privacy issues and your suspicions for future sessions.

In a development preceding the untimely death of Hayden Panettiere, her former boyfriend, Brian Hickerson, sought to clear his criminal record. Hickerson submitted a request to the Los Angeles County Superior Court, aiming to expunge charges related to domestic abuse involving the actress, as reported just weeks before her passing.

Per documents retrieved on August 13 and assessed by the Daily Mail, Judge Olivia Rosales ultimately rejected Hickerson’s appeal. This judgment came a mere three days prior to Panettiere’s unfortunate demise, which was classified by authorities as a ‘suspected overdose.’

Back in July 2020, Hickerson faced a series of legal challenges, being charged with eight various felony and misdemeanor offenses. These charges stemmed from a series of incidents that implicated both him and Panettiere.

In a pivotal moment in August 2022, Hickerson entered a plea of ‘no contest’ to two felony counts. Consequently, the remaining six charges were dismissed, and he was sentenced to a four-year probation period.

As part of his probation, Hickerson was mandated to participate in Alcoholics Anonymous meetings, attending at least once per week as dictated by court stipulations. Additionally, he had to fulfill a requirement to complete a set of anger management classes.

The Daily Mail has reached out to Hickerson’s lawyer and the Los Angeles County District Attorney’s Office for further comment on the story. 

Hickerson completed his probation on August 1. Last week, he filled a petition with the court to change those felony charges to misdemeanors. He also asked the court to expunge the charges from his record.

Prosecutors sought to block both of Hickerson’s attempts to have the charges knocked down to misdemeanors in the Thursday hearing, according to documents reviewed by the Daily Mail.

Hickerson had filed two earlier petitions to dismiss the case, on July 18 and on June 27 (in a hearing which was delayed), according to records reviewed by the Daily Mail.  

Hickerson said in legal docs that he had finished his probation in requesting the court dismiss the case. 

He was charged with domestic violence in May of 2019, with Panettiere receiving a protective order in the case – as the charges were eventually dropped.

In July of 2020, he was arrested in connection with eight charges of domestic violence linked to multiple incidents that occurred in the timeframe between May of  2019 and January of 2020. 

He eventually entered a no contest plea to a pair of felony counts of injuring a partner in April of 2021, with the rest of the charges dropped.  

In 2021, he received a 45-day sentence in county jail, along with four years of probation, attendance at 52 domestic violence courses and a restraining order lasting five years.

Hickerson spent 33 days in Los Angeles Men’s Central Jail following a credit for 12 days served, the outlet reported, according to sheriff’s records viewed by the Daily Mail. 

This past May, he spoke with TMZ about past instances of domestic violence and abuse in his relationship with the actress, which she detailed in her memoir released that month, titled This Is Me: A Reckoning.  

‘I got arrested for abusing her, and I wouldn’t blame her friends for being pissed off with me, so I don’t really have much to say on that,’ said Hickerson, who was first linked to the late actress in 2018. ‘You never lay hands on a woman, bottom line.’

In the interview with the outlet, Hickerson referenced one horrifying story that Panettiere detailed in her memoir.

He said, ‘There’s a story where I was drunk, right? Hayden was standing across the room and I had a phone in my hand and I said, “Hayden, I’ll give you 10 seconds to run as fast as you can before I throw it at you.” Who wants to read something about themselves, right?’

Hickerson continued, ‘But you gotta be vulnerable and I did it. I did it, so.’

He said he was in ‘such a dark place’ involving ‘drugs’ and ‘alcohol,’ adding, ‘Good God, almighty, she’s five foot two on paper, four-foot-11 in real life. I mean, come on.’

After the arrest, Panettiere put out a statement saying she hoped she could serve as an example for others in a similar situation.

She said, ‘I am coming forward with the truth about what happened to me in the hope that my story will empower others in abusive relationships to get the help they need and deserve.’

Hickerson in May told TMZ that he remained in regular contact with Panettiere, and harbored hope they could resume their romance at some point. 

He added, ‘Hayden is one of the most talented people I’ve ever met in my life.’ 

Authorities in Greenville, South Carolina pronounced Panettiere dead at 36 on Sunday afternoon following a suspected overdose, adding that a ‘preliminary investigation has not indicated any signs of foul play or suspicious circumstances’. 

The Department of Justice ignited scrutiny on Monday with an investigation targeting the College of William & Mary. The probe aims to assess whether the Virginia-based public research institution’s scholarships and student benefits inappropriately incorporate race-based criteria, marking another move in the Trump administration’s nationwide focus on educational practices.

Announced by the DOJ’s Civil Rights Division, the compliance review seeks to determine if the college potentially breaches Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964. This landmark law forbids discrimination based on race, color, or national origin within programs or activities that receive federal funding.

“It is illegal to award scholarships or offer valued opportunities to students based merely on skin color. Such practices contradict the pledges of our color-blind Constitution,” remarked Harmeet Dhillon, the Assistant Attorney General for Civil Rights, in a public statement.

Dhillon further elaborated, “We are investigating whether scholarships or other student benefits at William & Mary show any preference towards applicants of specific races. The Department remains vigilant and will not overlook any forms of race-based preferences, regardless of their presentation by universities.”

The “W&M Scholars” program for first-year undergraduate students includes a scholarship that covers at least the full cost of in-state tuition and fees.

While the scholarship is not limited to any particular race, the DOJ said in a notice letter to the institution that applicants with an “interest in diverse people and perspectives” receive “top consideration.” William & Mary’s website lists that consideration alongside academic ability and potential and first-generation or limited-income status.

The W&M School of Education’s need-based Martha L. Muguira Fellowship for graduate students gives a “preference” to Hispanic or Latino women, who have financial need, according to the DOJ. The W&M School of Education’s doctoral-level Holmes Scholars program was described by the DOJ as giving “future education leaders of color” mentorship, access to job fairs and position announcements, as well as national-level professional development benefits, including policy and advocacy training and opportunities to present their research. William & Mary’s current website describes Holmes Scholars as students “from traditionally under-represented backgrounds.”

The DOJ said the W&M Law School offers the Lemon Legal Scholars Program. The DOJ said W&M Law offers up to five full scholarships covering tuition and fees that appear to be exclusively for HBCU graduates. William & Mary’s current website, however, says the law school “will award at least five full scholarships” to HBCU graduates admitted to its J.D. program.

Recipients of this scholarship also receive networking opportunities, one-on-one academic advising regarding course load and bar exam preparation, as well as access to special events with W&M Law School faculty, senior administrators and alumni.

The law school also advertises the “Reaching Back Scholarship,” which is a need-based scholarship that has a “preference” for HBCU graduates or those “who contribute to the diversity” of W&M Law School, the DOJ said.

Some programs at the institution were established to deal with the legacy of slavery and racial discrimination at William & Mary.

The DOJ urged William & Mary to hand over certain documents and information by September 8 as part of the compliance review. The department said ⁠it wants ​to secure compliance by “informal voluntary means” ​but may take formal action such as proceedings that could result in the termination of federal financial assistance if it deems such a move necessary.

Responding to the federal probe, William & Mary said in a statement that it is “committed to nondiscriminatory learning environments across our campus and complying with all state and federal laws.”

The DOJ’s Civil Rights Division said it had not reached any conclusions about the subject matter of the investigation.

This is just the latest effort by the Trump administration to target educational institutions across the nation for issues such as race-based admissions and scholarships, diversity, equity and inclusion programs and alleged antisemitism on campus.