Hayden Panettiere's mother misses memorial service

Hayden Panettiere's mom didn't attend her memorial service due to a "family emergency".

The Heroes actress passed away last month at the age of 36, and around 150 of her friends and family members gathered at a church in Malibu, California, on Saturday (19.09.26) for a special celebration of life ceremony.

Hayden's dad, Skip Panettiere, was in attendance but her estranged mother Lesley Vogel wasn't there, though a source told TMZ that reports she hadn't been invited were not true, she was simply unable to attend because of an unspecified family emergency.

The service was described as "emotional and beautiful" and saw Connie Britton and Charles Esten give speeches, while the Nashville actor also sang one of Hayden's songs from their show, accompanied by a band at the church.

Among those in attendance were Paris Hilton, Evan Ross, Lennon Stella and Jonathan Jackson.

Hayden's on/off boyfriend Brian Hickerson and his brother, Zach Hickerson - who were both present at the South Carolina Airbnb where she died - were not invited to the service.

But sources close to the brothers previously told TMZ Brian and Zach recognised the sensitivity surrounding the service and were not challenging the organisers’ decision to exclude them.

The sources added the brothers hoped the gathering would be a “beautiful celebration of Hayden, her life and her legacy”.

TMZ reported both remained in shock over Hayden’s death, with Brian said to be having a particularly difficult time adjusting to life without her.

Sources told the outlet Brian had lost about 40lb since Hayden died and had struggled to regain a “sense of normalcy”. They said he still experienced moments when he expected Hayden to telephone him and hoped events would somehow prove to have been a “horrible dream”.

Brian and Zach have maintained they had nothing to do with Hayden’s death.

Her official cause of death has not been announced and toxicology results remain pending, but reports citing unnamed law enforcement sources have alleged investigators believe Hayden may have taken a black-market oxycodone pill containing fentanyl.

Hayden’s representative has firmly pushed back against speculation regarding the actress’ cause of death.

Her spokesperson said earlier this week: “As reported yesterday by the Greenville County Coroner’s Office, Hayden’s death remains under investigation pending the completion of toxicology results, despite reports from some outlets stating otherwise.

“Recent reports attributed to unnamed sources are unverified hearsay and have attributed to conflicting information that continues to circulate.

“While we are all eager to find closure and better understand the circumstances surrounding her passing, we must remain patient and allow the investigative process to unfold.

“The answers we are all seeking will come.”