Three years before her death at 36, Hayden Panettiere experienced the tragic loss of her younger brother.
Hayden Panettiere was found unresponsive by emergency personnel at a home in Greenville, S.C., on Aug. 16, according to a statement by the Greenville Police Department.
The death of the “Heroes” and Nashville” star followed the loss of her brother, Jansen Panettiere, in February 2023. He died of an undiagnosed heart condition, his family said in a statement to TODAY.com.
He was reported to be 28 at the time of his death. TODAY.com could not independently confirm his age.
Jansen Panettiere acted alongside his sister in the movies like “Tiger Cruise” and “Racing Stripes,” and also starred in “Ice Age: The Meltdown” and the AMC series “The Walking Dead.”
In the years after his death, Hayden Panettiere spoke about suffering such a devastating blow and also wrote about her brother’s loss in her recent memoir.
Here’s what she has shared about her brother’s life and death.
Jansen Panettiere died on Feb. 19, 2023, of an enlarged heart, his family said in a statement to TODAY.com.
“It is with great sorrow we share the tremendous, untimely loss of our beautiful Jansen,” the statement said. “Though it offers little solace, the Medical Examiner reported Jansen’s sudden passing was due to cardiomegaly (enlarged heart,) coupled with aortic valve complications.”
Cardiomegaly, or an enlarged heart, is not a disease itself, but is rather a sign of another condition, according to Mayo Clinic. Heart damage and certain types of heart disease can cause an enlarged heart, according to Mayo Clinic.
The Panettiere family did not specify the underlying cause of his condition, but said he suffered from aortic valve complications.
These complications can occur when the aorta, the main artery that carries blood from the heart to the rest of the body, does not function properly, according to Mayo Clinic.
“Jansen’s heart could be seen in his eyes, and his charm in his brilliant, engaging smile; his soul in his masterful and revealing paintings, and the joy of life in his dry wit,” his family said in the statement. “His charisma, warmth, compassion for others, and his creative spirit will live forever in our hearts and in the hearts of all whom he encountered.”
“We sincerely appreciate the outpouring of love and support towards our family as we navigate this unthinkable loss, and ask that we be gifted our privacy during this time of mourning,” the family added. “We love you so much Jansen and you will be in our hearts forever.”
About a month before his death, he posted a black-and-white picture of his older sister styling his hair on Instagram.
