Authorities ‘zeroing in on potential drug dealer’ in Hayden Panettiere’s death as ex Brian Hickerson meets with DEA

Authorities are “zeroing in on potential drug dealer” in Hayden Panettiere’s death after her ex-boyfriend Brian Hickerson reportedly met with the Drug Enforcement Administration.

TMZ reported that local and federal investigators believe someone sold the actress drugs that might have caused her death, and they are focused on finding the dealer.

A source confirmed to the outlet that authorities are “zeroing in on a potential drug dealer.”

Amid their investigation into the actress’ death, Hickerson has met up with the federal law enforcement agency.

The “Heroes” alum’s ex was photographed outside his Los Angeles home after stopping at a liquor store Thursday, per pics obtained by Page Six.

Despite the hot weather, he remained incognito in a gray hoodie — putting the hood up over his baseball cap — and black sunglasses.

Panettiere’s toxicology report hasn’t come back yet, though Panettiere died of an apparent “overdose,” according to 911 dispatch audio obtained by Page Six.

Paramedics responded to a call about an “unidentified female” in “cardiac arrest,” and within minutes, “CPR [was] in progress” for the “overdose.”

Narcan — a medicine typically used to reverse an opioid overdose — was reportedly found at the scene.

Both Brian and his brother, Zach Hickerson, were present at the Airbnb in Greenville, South Carolina, where Panettiere died.

Zach claimed to TMZ last month that Brian gave the actress Narcan after the real estate agent woke up from a nap and found her unconscious, while he called emergency services. He said they jointly performed CPR on her, though she was pronounced dead on Aug. 16.

Brian broke his silence on Panettiere’s death through a statement from his attorney last month, but has since stayed silent.

“Hayden’s death remains under investigation and it is important to allow that investigation to proceed,” his attorney, Sloan Ellis, told Page Six.

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

Panettiere’s estranged mom, Lesley Vogel, has spoken out against Brian, alleging his story about the circumstances surrounding the “Nashville” alum’s death is “full of holes.”

She alleged in an interview with the Daily Mail, “I think there will be a discrepancy in the timeline, meaning Brian had to go out and buy the Narcan while he left her there because I do not believe he happened to have two bottles of Narcan on him, like he carried them around in his back pocket.”

She also questioned, “I don’t know how you can take a nap near someone who’s dying and not realize something’s wrong.”