Hayden Panettiere’s brother Jansen passed away on February 19 in New York at the young age of 28. Now a week after the tragedy, the actress and her family have opened up and shared the official cause of death of their beloved.
The Panettiere paid an emotional tribute to Jansen with a statement and revealed that he died of ‘cardiomegaly (enlarged heart), coupled with aortic valve complications’. Jansen was an actor himself who worked in a few Disney shows and films.
Jansen Panettiere’s Cause of Death Revealed by Family
Hayden, along with her mother, Lesley Vogel, and father, Skip Panettiere, released a statement to the media on February 27, sharing details of Jansen’s demise. “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,” said the family.
“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,” they stated, adding, “We love you so much Jansen and you will be in our hearts forever.”
Disclosing Jansen’s cause of death, the family 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.”
The family further thanked everyone for their support and prayers and said, “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.”
Jansen Passed Away at his Home on February 19
The actor was found dead at his apartment in Upstate New York on February 19. He was supposed to attend a business meeting that day, but he did not show up, which alarmed his friends. They rushed to his home and found him unconscious in a chair. They tried to give him CPR and called 911, but he had already passed away.
Jansen made his acting debut with Disney Channel’s Even Stevens in 2002. He then starred in a number of films and television shows, including Hope & Faith, The Last Day of Summer, The Secrets of Jonathan Sperry, The Walking Dead, and How High 2. He also appeared in some stage plays, including Dustin Lance Black’s 8 in 2012.
Hayden and Jansen Shared a Close Bond
Jasnen shared a loving relationship with his elder sister. The siblings worked together on a couple of projects, including The Forger and Racing Stripes. Just a few weeks before his death, Jansen had shared a sweet photo with his sister on Instagram, which showed the actress giving him a haircut.
“Not the first haircut she’s tried to give me,” he wrote at the time. Back in 2007, Hayden had talked about her brother in an interview and said, “He is a very balanced child. He has a heart of gold and would never wish bad on anyone. Sometimes I need to take a lesson from him.”
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