By ALEX HAMMER, US MEDIA CORRESPONDENT

Updated: 04:57 BST, 22 August 2026

Johnny Depp could be set for a triumphant return to Hollywood after his turn as iconic miser Ebenezer Scrooge scored well during an early test screening, according to a new report.

Puck’s Matthew Belloni made the revelation on Friday. He cited an August 11 test screening of ‘Ebenezer’ attended by Paramount studio heads Josh Greenstein and Dana Goldberg in Paramus, New Jersey.

Sources also told Belloni, widely seen as Hollywood’s go-to source for insider information, that the ‘A Christmas Carol’ spinoff scored well overall.

But the ‘real interest’ revolved around Depp, 63, whose last major studio film role came as the dark wizard Gellert Grindelwald in the Harry Potter-inspired ‘Fantastic Beasts: The Crimes of Grindelwald.’

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The film was released in 2018. Legal battles with his ex-wife, Amber Heard, lost Depp the role in 2020. 

Pirates of the Caribbean showrunners distanced themselves from the star, at the time. Producer Jerry Bruckheimer revealed the actor was in talks to reprise that role at an event late last month.

All eyes were thus on Depp last week. ‘And much to the relief of the Paramount execs – and, to a certain extent, the rest of Hollywood – they loved him,’ Belloni wrote.

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Johnny Depp could be set for a triumphant return to Hollywood after his turn as iconic miser Ebenezer Scrooge scored well during an August 11 screening

Depp scored an 86 out of 100 as the Dickensian character, according to Belloni, when the accepted average for a male lead is around 67.

Depp also scored extremely well with women over 35 – a demo some suspected may have been less kind considering Heard, 40, alleged the actor physically and sexually abused her over the course of their relationship, Belloni noted.

Depp scored at least 90 percent in the demo, sources told the Puck founder, adding that he confirmed the numbers ‘with three sources.’ 

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‘In fact, talking to producers and studio execs over the past few weeks, the possibility of a Depp comeback is shaping up as a major narrative for the fall,’ he wrote.

A jury found that Heard defamed Depp on three counts with her claims, which were launched in a 2018 Washington Post opinion piece. The Edward Scissorhands star was subsequently awarded $10.35 million in damages. 

Ebenezer – headed by relatively small-time horror director Ti West – hits theaters in November. 

The movie boasts a roughly $40 million budget.  

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Depp, in-character and in-costume, appeared at Comic-Con in San Diego last month to plug the film.

Depp – seen in character last January – last appeared in a major studio film in 2018, as the main antagonist in Fantastic Beasts: The Crimes of Grindelwald.’ The film was released in 2018. Legal battles with his ex-wife, Amber Heard, lost Depp the role in the now-trilogy in 2020

Belloni noted that the strategy, to some, came off as desperate, considering Depp’s situation.

‘Instead, it played exactly as Paramount hoped: This guy is about the characters, not the wine glasses he may or may not have thrown at his ex.’

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Belloni ended the update reiterating how ‘other studios are monitoring this situation closely.’

Ella Hendricken and Niamh and Alma Kinsella were travelling with the child to the airport for a holiday when the car they were in was struck by another vehicle driving the wrong way

A community was left “numb” after three sisters and a young boy were seriously injured in a horror crash in Ireland, a vigil of support for the family has heard.

Ella Hendricken and Niamh and Alma Kinsella were travelling with the child to the airport for a holiday when the car they were in was struck by another vehicle driving the wrong way down the M9 motorway in Kildare on Sunday morning.

They were all taken to hospital for treatment of serious injuries.

Five teenagers in the other vehicle all died in the crash which has renewed focus on enforcement of laws against dangerous driving, the regulation of social media content, and the provision of State care to children.

A prayer vigil in solidarity with the injured women and boy was held on Friday evening in Saint Clare’s Church in Graiguecullen, Carlow near the Laois border.

Hundreds of well-wishers gathered for the vigil, which was also livestreamed, from 6.30pm.

A fundraiser for the affected family had received more than €675,000 in donations by the time of the gathering.

Father John Dunphy told the vigil: “We gather tonight, first of all, in prayer.

“And when a community comes together in prayer it gives great strength.”

Fr Dunphy said the hearts of the community had been “numb” since Sunday morning, but said “our hearts too went out to” the affected family.

“We prayed that they will recover. We knew it would be a long road back. Thankfully, they’re on that road and please God, they will make a full recovery.”

At the same service, Bishop Denis Nulty said that the community felt “shock” as well as “maybe fear and grief” as it gathered in “solidarity” and support for the the family.

He said they deserved the prayers offered, “particularly at a time when words fail and indeed when we feel helpless regarding what to do or where to turn to”, adding: “It’s good to be together”.

Speaking to those gathered, he said: “The thing about it is that they could be any one of us on the road from Carlow to catch an early morning flight from Dublin Airport.”

He said it was “only right that we gather and know how much this gathering will mean” to the affected family.

Bishop Nulty also thanked emergency personnel who arrived at the scene and medical staff who have cared for the family in the following days.

He then turned his attention to those who died in the other crash, while urging the public to be “careful” in social media posts about the incident.

“We also remember the the five boys in the car – that’s the Christian thing to do.

“They too have heartbroken parents, family, and friends.

“We pray for them this evening.”

Bishop Nulty said Christians were called on to be “hands and feet of Christ” but were additionally asked “to be careful of our language”.

He added: “Words can hurt, but they also have the power to heal.

“To be careful of our social media posting, what is posted cannot be unposted, to be careful of our commentary.”

The service included a prayer for healing which involved sharing the flame from one source candle in the church among smaller candles held by those gathered.

Funerals for two of the teenagers in the other car were held in Carlow and Athy, Co Kildare earlier on Friday while it was reported that there was also a gathering for mourners for a third boy in Limerick.

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Oh, we do like to be beside the seaside… especially when there’s a charming town nestled along the coast in easy reach of Cambridge, which is named ‘one of the best in the UK’

One of the UK’s ‘best seaside towns’ is less than two hours from Cambridge, with a wacky pier and Blue Flag beach.

During the summer months, there’s nothing quite like a trip to a seaside town for that quintessential day out, with stretches of golden coast and a high street packed with hidden gems. Even on those slightly more brisk days, there’s plenty of traditional seaside fun to be had, with classic piers, attractions and of course, the sought-after taste of fish and chips by the sea.

While we have to drive a little further to reap the benefits of coastal pastimes, it’s well worth it, and luckily for us, the Suffolk coast is well within reach of Cambridge. And there’s one town that has been highlighted as one of the finest to visit, and it’s remained delightfully unspoilt.

Nestled along the East Suffolk and two hours from Cambridge, is the classic seaside town of Southwold. Characterised by its colourful beach huts, award-winning Edwardian pier, working lighthouse and collection of independent businesses, Southwold was named as ‘one of the best seaside towns’ in the UK by Which? this year.

The consumer champion awarded the seaside town five stars for its pier, and four stars for its food and drink offerings, tourist attractions, scenery, shopping, and beach. With an overall score of 78%, Southwold ranked among the top 10 nationwide, just behind Aldeburgh in Suffolk.

Southwold Pier Beach has frequently been cited as one of the best in Britain, scooping the Blue Flag and Seaside Awards numerous occassions, including in 2026, owing to its clean, safe environment. The sweeping beach is a mixture of sand and shingle, while its promenade is lined with its colourful array of beach huts that only adds to its coastal charm.

Stretching 190 metres from the Suffolk shore into the North Sea is the iconic Edwardian pier that is packed with entertainment, shops and eateries. It’s perhaps one of the most eccentric British piers, thanks to its wacky Under the Pier Show, which houses a ‘mad collection of homemade slot machines’.

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The interactive novelty machines, designed by inventor Tim Hunkin, are certainly a standout in Southwold, providing endless seaside fun. But that’s not all. The pier also has an arcade with all the timeless classics, the Boardwalk Restaurant serving up meals with a view, and the Clockhouse tearoom for a scone and cuppa.

When visitors can tear themselves away from the pier, there’s plenty more to explore in the seaside town, including the award-winning Adnams Brewery. Located next to the 31-metre lighthouse that stands strikingly in the middle of Southwold, the brewery was founded in 1872, but its brewing heritage dates back more than 670 years, so it’s undoubtedly the spot to grab a drink.

Elsewhere in the resort town, there’s a range of independent shops, cafes, hotels and pubs to explore, along with local fish shacks and seafood restaurants. The Little Fish & Chip Shop on East Street has often been hailed as a favourite by locals, thanks to its traditional beef-dripping frying, while Sole Bay Fish Company and Mrs T’s Fish & Chips are other highlights.

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Southwold is also home to the independent cinema, The Electric Picture Palace, which was built from an old stable and uniquely designed as an Edwardian theatre. Holidaymakers can attend one of their many film screenings, with just 70-seats for an intimate experience.

What might strike visitors to Southwold, and are a major part of its landscape, are the spacious village greens that lie in the heart of the town. The nine pristine lawns and large common were actually created by a roaring fire back in 1659, and instead of rebuilding every area, the town chose to retain them as open green spaces.

Do you have a travel story to share? Email webtravel@reachplc.com

Man United travel to Hull City this afternoon for their first game of the 2026/27 Premier League season.

Manchester United return to competitive action this afternoon when they visit Hull City in the Premier League. Michael Carrick’s side are preparing to embark on an exciting season with Champions League football back on the agenda.

On paper, United have been handed a favourable opening day fixture against the 2025/26 Championship play-off winners. But Carrick was eager to stress the challenge Hull will pose in his press conference on Thursday.

Understandably, United will go for a strong line-up to face the Tigers. Senne Lammens will start in goal. Diogo Dalot was the starter at right-back last season for United, and with Carrick aiming for continuity, he could keep his spot. Ayden Heaven was preferred to Leny Yoro during pre-season, which was a shock to many. It would be surprising if the former Arsenal youngster did not start at the MKM Stadium alongside Harry Maguire and Luke Shaw.

In midfield, Carrick would have liked to have picked Mason Mount. The former Chelsea man struck up a good partnership in pre-season with Andrey Santos, who will be handed a debut on Humberside. However, his knock against Paris Saint-Germain makes him a doubt for this game. In his absence, Youri Tielemans will likely be the second debutant.

Marcus Rashford has dominated headlines this summer. As United insisted he would, Rashford has been welcomed back to the first-team squad after an exit failed to materialise and he featured against Ruben Amorim’s AC Milan last weekend. As with Kobbie Mainoo, it would be a risk starting him after a late return to pre-season, but he should make the bench.

That leaves the battle on the left wing down to two players. Matheus Cunha made the position his own last season while Patrick Dorgu was injured. This summer, Carrick has aimed to reintroduce Dorgu to the left wing role and, after a goal against Milan, he will likely get the nod.

United have been buoyed by the return of Benjamin Sesko to full training. However, starting him would be a risk after he missed the entirety of pre-season. Instead, Bryan Mbeumo will be preferred to Joshua Zirkzee at centre-forward.

United predicted line-up vs Hull: Lammens; Dalot, Maguire, Heaven, Shaw; Santos, Tielemans; Amad, Fernandes, Dorgu; Mbeumo

Unite the Union said nearly 320 workers employed by Honeywell at sites in Billingham, Stockton and Clitheroe are being asked whether they support industrial action over changes to pension arrangements.

The dispute comes following the acquisition of Johnson Matthey Catalyst Technologies by US-based cooperation Honeywell in July.

According to Unite, workers were told during the takeover process that Honeywell’s pension provision would be “broadly comparable” to the scheme they were previously enrolled in.

However, the union claims that many employees will instead face a reduction of up to nine per cent in employer pension contributions following the takeover. However, this has not been confirmed by Honeywell.

Unite also claims that death-in-service benefits from Honeywell will be lower than with their previous employer.

The workers involved include chemical, mechanical and electrical engineers, chemical process operators, scientists and analysts.

Those voting on strike action work in catalyst production for the ammonia, methanol, oil and gas sectors – supplying products used by major industrial companies and energy projects.

Unite warned that industrial action of any kind could disrupt supplies to a number of high-profile operations, including BP’s H2Teesside project, Equinor and Linde’s H2H Saltend project, Shell’s hydrogen purification catalyst operations, and sustainable aviation fuel developments.

Unite general secretary Sharon Graham accused Honeywell of misleading workers over their pension arrangements.

She said: “Honeywell is massively wealthy; retaining pension contributions at their original level will make no difference to the company. Unite will not tolerate these pension attacks.

“Honeywell’s UK workforce has their union’s total and unflinching backing.”

Unite regional officer Richard O’Brien claimed that Honeywell is risking creating supply issues for their customers just weeks after taking over the business.

Mr O’Brien said: “Honeywell’s clients will not be happy that it has been running its UK catalyst operations for less than two months and they are already facing major product shortages because it is going after workers’ hard-earned pension contributions.

“There is still time to avoid industrial action but that will require halting the pension attacks.”

The Northern Echo has contacted Honeywell for comment on Unite’s claims and the proposed changes to workers’ pension arrangements.

The workers are being balloted for strike until Wednesday, September 2.

Why do flies rub their legs together?

Flies don’t only clean their forelegs

All 20 clubs can boast to having a handful of players capable of taking a mean set-piece, whether that be a corner or a free-kick. There are the usual suspects at Arsenal, Chelsea, Liverpool, Man United, Manchester City and Spurs, but also some new faces such as Christos Tzolis, Ryan Giles and Jack Rudoni.

Jj Da Lion, who has built a large online following by tackling extreme food challenges across the UK, travelled to Manjaros in Middlesbrough to take on ten 1kg chicken parmos.

Anyone who completes the challenge is rewarded with a £1,000 cash prize.

Previously, Ji Da Lion stunned staff and diners when he devoured six full parmos in a single sitting.

He managed to pocket £600 after completing the mammoth meal in less than 50 minutes.

The latest challenge, however, proved a different story.

Faced with 10 of Teesside’s most famous dish, even the seasoned competitive eater was unable to finish the feast.

Before taking on the task the influencer had already labelled it as “impossible”.

Videos of the attempt have attracted attention online, with 80k views already recorded on TikTok.

The foodie said: “We’ve been here before.

“Now they’ve got me to come and try…not even seven, or eight or nine, because that would be progress.

“This man has got me doing 10 – 10 whole chicken parmos.”

Many questioned whether anyone could realistically consume that amount, while others praised the influencer for even attempting it.

One individual described him as an “absolute warrior and animal”.

Another said: “Watching the last night was crazy. Well done. You did so good. I was feeling full watching it.”

“Good effort,” added another.

For a man who has made a name for himself by conquering oversized breakfasts, giant burgers and extreme food challenges across the country, this one was a challenge too far.

LOS ANGELES (AP) — Los Angeles Dodgers president Stan Kasten attempted to calm online speculation about the future of the franchise under billionaire owner Mark Walter on Friday.

“The Dodgers are not being sold. They’re not for sale. There’s no process that has been started to sell it, period,” he told reporters on the field before the team’s game against Pittsburgh. “We are planning only to win.”

The conjecture began earlier this month with Walter agreeing to a stunning sale of the Los Angeles Lakers to businessmen Josh Kushner and Bob Iger for a record-breaking price of $12.5 billion, according to a person familiar with the terms who spoke to The Associated Press on condition of anonymity. Walter bought a controlling stake in the franchise from the Buss family last year.

“I can’t tell you how important the Dodgers are to Mark,” Kasten said. “The Lakers thing? The Lakers were important to him too, but it’s kind of an extraordinary opportunity, which he took.”

Multiple media outlets last month reported that Walter’s business empire is under scrutiny from both federal prosecutors and the Securities and Exchange Commission in tax fraud investigations. Walter is cooperating with the investigation.

“I know nothing involving the Dodgers is part of the investigation,” Kasten said, declining to go into specifics.

The 66-year-old Walter is based in Chicago, where he is CEO of Guggenheim Partners. He has overseen a run of success for the Dodgers that includes three World Series championships in six seasons and a penchant for lavishing big-money contracts on players like four-time MVP Shohei Ohtani.

“I think Mark has done an extraordinary job as an owner,” Kasten said, “and all he’s ever cared about is providing the best experience in order to make us more money, to make this project successful. I think so far it has been, I expect that to continue far into the future.”

Kasten also said Walter is not exploring any sales of his other sports properties, which include the WNBA’s Los Angeles Sparks, the Professional Women’s Hockey League and TWG Motorsports.

Walter typically shuns the spotlight, preferring to stay behind the scenes and have Kasten or other team executives make public statements.

___

See AP’s full MLB coverage here

Hayden Panettiere’s on-and-off boyfriend Brian Hickerson was called out over alleged drug use in court just three days before the actress’s tragic passing at age 36, according to media reports.

The late actress was found unresponsive at an apartment in South Carolina on Sunday, August 16 and was later declared dead following a suspected overdose. 

Hickerson’s brother, Zach, recently broke silence on Panettiere’s final moments, and revealed in a statement to TMZ that Hickerson administered Narcan to the star after they ‘realized she was unconscious.’ 

Only days before her death, a hearing took place on August 13 after Hickerson filed a request on July 20 to expunge domestic violence convictions from his record, per People. 

Hickerson claimed that he had fulfilled requirements of his probation, but prosecutors opposed the petition, noting continuous alleged drug use as well as two separate arrests that occurred in Los Angeles in 2025, the magazine reported.

Back in 2021, Hickerson pleaded no contest to two felony counts of injuring Panettiere. He was sentenced to 45 days in jail and four years’ probation, plus $500 in fines and mandatory domestic violence classes. 

Only days before her death, a hearing took place on August 13 after Hickerson filed a request on July 20 to expunge domestic violence convictions from his record, per People; the late actress seen in 2203 in NYC 

Panettiere’s on-and-off felon ex did not make an appearance at the hearing last week, nor did his attorney. 

Hickerson had been arrested at a West Hollywood bar called Barney’s Beanery in August 2025. 

However, he was not prosecuted due to insufficient evidence at the time. 

He was arrested again later that same month and was charged with a misdemeanor count of being under the influence of a controlled substance, according to People. 

Earlier this year in January, Hickerson ‘submitted proof’ that he completed 10 Narcotics Anonymous sessions. The misdemeanor charge was then dismissed.

During the hearing, prosecutors additionally cited a TMZ interview that Hickerson did back in May where he appeared ‘quite high’ and ‘very clearly not sober,’ per People.

Regarding the interview, the D.A. said that Hickerson ‘speaks for 15 minutes about the abuse that’s been documented in his victim’s best-selling book, and he makes several admissions about that,’ per TMZ.

‘And more significantly to his request today, he is quite high on what appears to be a stimulant, notwithstanding his lawyer’s representations that he is seeking expungement because he is now sober.’ 

Earlier this year in January, Hickerson ‘submitted proof’ that he completed 10 Narcotics Anonymous sessions. The misdemeanor charge was then dismissed’; seen in 2018 

Back in 2021, Hickerson pleaded no contest to two felony counts of injuring Panettiere. He was sentenced to 45 days in jail and four years’ probation, plus $500 in fines and mandatory domestic violence classes; late actress seen in 2022 

A judge denied Hickerson’s petition at the hearing.

Hickerson had previously attempted to remove the convictions from his record one year earlier in July 2025, with the petition also being opposed by prosecutors, per People.  

The Los Angeles County D.A.’s Office told People in a statement following the August 13 hearing Hickerson’s petition was opposed due to ‘continued demonstrable drug use’ as well as last year’s arrest. 

Daily Mail reached out to a rep for comment. An attorney for Hickerson denied to comment.  

Panettiere tragically passed away on August 16 at the age of 36. 

Hickerson’s brother, Zach, recently broke his silence on the actress’s final moments in a statement to TMZ. 

Hickerson administered Narcan to Panettiere after he and his brother, Zach, found her unconscious in their Airbnb in Greenville, South Carolina.

Zach, who said he wanted to ‘clarify my involvement’ in the situation, said he was calling 911 while Hickerson gave Panettiere the medication, which is typically administered to reverse an opioid overdose.

Zach said he, Hickerson and the actress were planning to get lunch and go indoor golfing after he attended church.

Hickerson administered Narcan to Panettiere after he and his brother, Zach, found her unconscious in their Airbnb in Greenville, South Carolina; seen in 2024 

‘I immediately called 911 and Brian gave her Narcan. We then jointly performed CPR while 911 was on speaker until Fire and EMS arrived,’ Zach said; Panettiere seen in 2024 in NYC 

He called and texted Panettiere and his brother as he was leaving the Sunday service, but didn’t hear back from them, he recalled.

Zach assumed the pair were sleeping so he drove back to the rental, but he didn’t have the door code to the unit so he couldn’t get in.

‘I knocked loudly which apparently woke Brian up from a nap they were both taking on the pull out couch bed in the living room. When we went in and tried to wake Hayden up for lunch, we realized she was unconscious,’ he said.

‘I immediately called 911 and Brian gave her Narcan. We then jointly performed CPR while 911 was on speaker until Fire and EMS arrived.’

‘At that point we watched as they tried every measure possible to save her life,’ he added.

Zach says he is ‘beyond heartbroken and devastated’ by Panettiere’s death.

He shared how over the past eight years the actress had become one of my ‘dearest and closest friends,’ adding that she was someone he loved and cared for deeply.

He urged for an end to the ‘assumptions, speculations and accusations’ that are swirling around the star’s death.

Details about Panettiere’s final moments come just hours after her ex-fiance Wladimir Klitschko paid a heartbreaking tribute to the actress on what would have been her 37th birthday; seen in 2013 in Milan 

Sharing a photo of the actress on August 21, the boxer wrote: ‘Today is Hayden’s birthday. Instead of celebrating the way we had planned, today we celebrate her life, her spirit, and the love she brought into this world’

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Zach claimed the ‘truth’ will come out once police have completed their investigation.

The Heroes star was later declared dead following the suspected overdose.

Details about Panettiere’s final moments come just hours after her ex-fiance Wladimir Klitschko paid a heartbreaking tribute to the actress on what would have been her 37th birthday.

Sharing a photo of the actress on August 21, the boxer wrote: ‘Today is Hayden’s birthday. Instead of celebrating the way we had planned, today we celebrate her life, her spirit, and the love she brought into this world.

‘I want to thank all of Hayden’s fans, friends, and everyone who has reached out for the incredible outpouring of love and support. At a time filled with so much sadness, your kindness has reminded me that there is still so much good in humanity.

‘If you’re reading this, I ask just one thing: Even if only for a moment, think about LOVE. Reach out to a friend. Forgive someone. Be kind. Love is a superpower. Use it.

‘Happy Birthday, Hayden. You are loved, you are missed, and you will never be forgotten.’

The actress had a daughter with the boxer. In 2018, when Kaya was three, she signed full custody to her ex amid her battle with postpartum depression and addiction and Wladimir moved their daughter to his native Ukraine.

On Monday, Greenville County Sheriff’s Office said that the post-mortem had been completed and that no signs of trauma were found on the star’s body.

The actress had a daughter with the boxer. In 2018, when Kaya was three, she signed full custody to her ex amid her battle with postpartum depression and addiction and Wladimir moved their daughter to his native Ukraine

On Monday, Greenville County Sheriff’s Office said that the post-mortem had been completed and that no signs of trauma were found on the star’s body; seen in 2005

Further investigations will take place to establish her cause of death, with chief deputy coroner Shelton England telling the Daily Mail that it was too early to discuss the drug overdose theory.

On Thursday, Hickerson addressed the star’s death through his lawyers.

‘Hayden’s death remains under investigation and it is important to allow that investigation to proceed,’ said his attorney Sloan Ellis, from the Ellis Hinton law firm.

‘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.’

A Greenville police officer who responded to the residence Sunday afternoon was met by the brothers and then observed paramedics performing CPR on an unresponsive woman, according to a police report.

Earlier, a representative for Panettiere confirmed her death, saying her family would remember her as an ‘incredible light’ who brought ‘immeasurable love and joy to all who knew her’; seen in 2017 in NYC 

‘The patient did not seem to have any obvious physical reasons to be unresponsive,’ the officer noted. After attempting lifesaving measures, the emergency workers declared Panettiere dead at 2:31pm on Sunday.

Panettiere and Hickerson were said to have flown from Los Angeles to South Carolina one day before she died.

Hickerson is originally from Greenville, public records show. It is unclear what the purpose of the couple’s visit was.

Earlier, a representative for Panettiere confirmed her death, saying her family would remember her as an ‘incredible light’ who brought ‘immeasurable love and joy to all who knew her.’