The death of Hayden Panettiere on Sunday, August 16, has left fans and loved ones devastated. At 36, she was so young, and she was so talented! But three years before the “Heroes” star’s tragic passing, she lost her beloved brother, Jansen Panettiere, who died in February 2023.
Hayden Panettiere & Her Brother Jansen Panettiere’s Close Bond
Jansen died of an undiagnosed heart condition when he was 28. “It is with great sorrow we share the tremendous, untimely loss of our beautiful Jansen,” a statement from the family, shared with Today reads. “Though it offers little solace, the Medical Examiner reported Jansen’s sudden passing was due to cardiomegaly (enlarged heart) coupled with aortic valve complications.”
Hayden openly grieved the loss of her brother, including paying tribute to him on his heavenly birthday. The last time she was able to do this was on September 25, 2025, when she shared a throwback photo on Instagram of them as children. In the caption, she penned her thoughts, writing, “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.”
She continued, “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.” Her final words about them being reunited again are now hauntingly true.
Hayden Panettiere’s Fans Leave Tributes After Her Passing
Like his sister Hayden, Janse was also an actor, with roles in the movies like “Tiger Cruise,” “Racing Stripes,” “Ice Age: The Meltdown” and the hit series “The Walking Dead,” Today reports. At the time of Hayden’s tribute, fans flooded the post with supportive comments. However, a new wave of messages have been shared after her death. “The day has come when they don’t miss each other anymore, they are already together,” a comment reads. “i’m sorry, honey you couldn’t live without him that is an awful feeling,” another person wrote.
Other recent reactions include, “That day is today,” “That day has come. RIP beautiful,” and “Rest in peace,” “Now they are together forever,” and “Your now together again and I hope that hug was the tightest hug ever. I’m so sorry for all the pain, trauma and heartache in your life. I am so sorry the pain was to much to take.”
The Greenville County Coroner’s Office released a statement about Hayden’s death on Monday, August 17. “An autopsy was completed today. At autopsy no signs of trauma were discovered that would have contributed to the death,” coroner Mike Ellis shared, People reports. “The cause and manner of death remain pending further investigation and the completion of additional studies. This investigation remains active and ongoing. No further details are available for release at this time.”
The statement also addressed the “Scream 6” star being found unresponsive. “First responders and Emergency Medical Services arrived on scene and located a female in cardiac arrest,” the statement reads. “EMS personnel initiated advanced cardiac life support measures; however, resuscitation efforts were unsuccessful, and the individual was pronounced deceased at 2:32 PM.”
