AceShowbiz - Hayden Panettiere faced immense grief after the heartbreaking loss of her younger brother, Jansen Panettiere, who passed away unexpectedly in February 2023. The news of his sudden death at just 28 years old was met with public attention, leaving the actress from the Scream franchise with little privacy to mourn.

Following Jansen’s passing, the Panettiere family shared a heartfelt statement with TODAY, expressing gratitude for the overwhelming support they received during this devastating time. The statement vividly described Jansen’s spirit, saying, "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." The family went on to emphasize how his charisma, warmth, and compassion will live on in the hearts of those who knew him.

In a poignant moment three years later, Hayden Panettiere tearfully recounted her reaction to learning about her brother’s death during an interview with Jay Shetty. She described Jansen as her "best friend" and recalled the raw pain she experienced, screaming, "I don't want to live in a world where he doesn't exist."

Like her sister, Jansen Panettiere was an actor who began his career in the early 2000s. He appeared in various television episodes, including a role on The Walking Dead, and also took part in voiceover work. His notable film credits include The Forger and The Martial Arts Kid. Before his untimely death, he had completed work on several other films such as American Game, Horse, and Justice Angel, which are slated for posthumous release.

Prior to his death, there was no public knowledge of any health complications affecting Jansen Panettiere. However, the family’s official statement revealed that his passing was due to cardiomegaly, commonly known as an enlarged heart, along with complications involving the aortic valve.

The medical examiner confirmed that the cause of Jansen’s sudden death was cardiomegaly, a condition where the heart is larger than normal, which hinders its ability to pump blood effectively. This strain on the heart can lead to serious issues such as heart failure or stroke.

According to the Cleveland Clinic, cardiomegaly can be temporary or permanent and is often caused by coronary heart disease, though it remains unclear if Jansen had this diagnosis. Other potential causes include arrhythmia, cardiomyopathy, and hypertensive heart disease.

Diagnosis of cardiomegaly typically involves imaging tools such as a chest X-ray, cardiac CT scan, or electrocardiogram (EKG), which help assess heart size and function.

Despite the tragic circumstances, the Panettiere family’s tribute highlights the lasting impact of Jansen Panettiere’s warmth, creativity, and spirit, ensuring his memory endures in the hearts of family, friends, and fans alike.