Hayden Panettiere, who passed away at the age of 36 on Sunday, Aug. 16, has been open about dealing with the heartbreaking loss of her beloved brother a few years before the actress passed away at the age of 26.
In 2023, Jansen died at the age of 28 from cardiomegaly, or an enlarged heart, combined with aortic valve complications, as per NBC News.
Earlier this year, she opened up about when she learned of his passing, saying that she was preparing for the “Scream VI” premiere in 2023 and ignored a phone call from her father. When he called her again, she picked up, and that’s when she learned about her brother’s death. According to TMZ, the actress explained that her father said that he missed an appointment that morning, which prompted a friend to check on him. He was found dead in a chair with a comforter over him.
Hayden Panettiere Reflected On Grieving Her Brother’s Loss in 2024 Interview
GettyIn 2024, Panettiere spoke with PEOPLE, detailing what happened to her after she learned about the loss of her brother.
“I just ballooned out,” she said, referring to her 40-pound weight gain. “It didn’t matter what I did, what I ate. I know stress and cortisol running through your body can do that. Now I think my body was protecting itself, shielding itself from the world.”
Panettiere added that she felt an immense amount of guilt, saying that it was her duty as the older sister to “protect him.”
“When I lost him, I felt like I lost half of my soul… I will always be heartbroken about [him], I will never be able to get over it. No matter how many years go by, I will never get over his loss,” she said.
Hayden Panettiere Continued To Pay Tribute To Her Brother Over The Years
On her Instagram page, Panettiere often paid tribute to her brother. In February 2025, she reflected on it being two years since he died.
“2 years ago today, I lost my little brother. This amazing human being touched the lives of so many. Especially mine. The pain isn’t quantifiable. I pray you’re in a beautiful place J. That you’re at peace and that when all is said and done…I’ll see you again. Rest easy brother. You are so missed and beyond loved. 💜,” she wrote.
Then, in September 2025, she shared a post for what would have been his birthday.
“My little brother Jansen would’ve turned 31 today. He was a remarkable human being. He was wise beyond his years and operated at a higher spiritual level than anyone I’ve ever met. He was everything that is good and pure in this world. I miss him every single day but I know his spirit is always near, watching over and protecting me and my family. I love you to infinity and beyond J and we will be together again one day. #JansenPanettiere @jrpanettiere #littlebrothers,” she captioned the post.
