What Happened to Hayden Panettiere's Brother Jansen? His Death Revisited After Hayden Panettiere's Passing

Before Hayden Panettiere's death, her family had already endured the loss of her younger brother, Jansen Panettiere.

The Nashville actress died on August 16, more than three years after Jansen passed away at the age of 28. Following his death, Hayden spoke openly about the grief she carried for years while continuing to honor his memory.

Here's everything to know about Jansen's death in 2023.

As OK! reported, Jansen died at the age of 28 in New York City on February 19, 2023. A friend of the actor reportedly found him "sitting upright in a chair unresponsive" and performed emergency CPR.

His cause of death was not immediately known, but a source told TMZ no foul play was suspected.

About a week later, the Panettiere family released a statement revealing Jansen's cause of death.

"It is with great sorrow we share the tremendous, untimely loss of our beautiful Jansen. Though it offers little solace, the Medical Examiner reported Jansen's sudden passing was due to cardiomegaly (enlarged heart), coupled with aortic valve complications," the statement read. "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 charisma, warmth, compassion for others, and his creative spirit will live forever in our hearts and in the hearts of all whom he encountered."

The statement concluded, "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. We love you so much Jansen and you will be in our hearts forever."

Jansen also struggled with "terrible anxiety and depression," though neither was linked to his cause of death.

Hayden reflected on Jansen's passing during her first interview after his death, telling Good Morning America her brother was "right here with [her]" while placing her hand over her heart.

In April 2023, she told The New York Times that her brother had been working on a canvas painted with words for her when he died.

"I always see a few secret messages that maybe he meant to put there, maybe he didn't," she shared. "His art, that was the thing that made him happiest."

In addition, Hayden honored Jansen in several social media posts and reflected on his death in her memoir, This Is Me: A Reckoning.

She also reflected on the lasting grief she carried as Jansen's sister, telling E! News, "It's all the time. It just evolves, especially with a sibling and being the older sibling. You're just riddled with guilt that you didn't do your job."

"I miss him all the time. I didn't think I would have to do life without him, but I'm grateful that I had the time I had with him," she added.