When Hayden Panettiere's brother Jansen was found tragically deceased, his family said
in a statement that he would be in their hearts forever.
This is the frightening truth of what caused the untimely death of this young artist.
Hayden Panettiere's younger brother Jansen Panettiere died suddenly at the age of 28
on February 19, 2023.
Sources previously told TMZ that foul play was not suspected in Jansen's death, though
the exact cause of death wasn't immediately made clear.
In an update published by TMZ, the outlet obtained the police report from the investigation
and learned that it was Jansen's friends who called 911 after he missed a meeting and no
one had heard from him.
The report indicates that Jansen was discovered unresponsive but sitting, quote, "upright
in a chair."
He was rushed to a nearby hospital where he was pronounced dead.
Jansen worked as an actor and an artist and had been fairly active on social media before
he died.
He often shared some of the artwork he had created on his Instagram account.
"I don't know where I would be without art."
On February 27, Jansen's family spoke out for the first time since Jansen's death, releasing
a statement to ABC News.
The statement read, in part:
"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."
According to his family's statement, Jansen Panettiere officially died due to issues with
his heart.
The statement read:
"Though it offers little solace, the Medical Examiner reported Jansen's sudden passing
was due to cardiomegaly (enlarged heart), coupled with aortic valve complications."
According to the Mayo Clinic, cardiomegaly isn't actually a disease but a condition that
is generally caused by something else.
One of the most common symptoms of the condition is shortness of breath.
And while the Panettiere family didn't offer any specifics when it came to Jansen's aortic
valve complications, the Mayo Clinic lists some of these potentially serious medical
issues, which include blood clots, stroke, and cardiac arrest resulting in death.
The Panettiere family was sure to thank the public for their "outpouring" of support during
this incredibly challenging time.
They have also asked for privacy.
The statement concluded with:
"We love you so much Jansen and you will be in our hearts forever."
Despite the five-year age gap between Hayden Panettiere and her younger brother Jansen,
the two were incredibly close.
In fact, they would often share photos of the time they spent together on their respective
social media accounts.
In January, for example, Jansen shared an Instagram photo of his big sis giving him
a haircut.
And, back in November, Jansen took to Instagram to share a throwback photo of the siblings
on a rafting trip.
One year prior, Hayden and Jansen took a trip to French Polynesia.
She captioned an Instagram pic at the time:
"Sibling time at the amaaaaazing market in #Tahiti."
In addition to Jansen Panettiere's family speaking out about his death, his girlfriend
of one year, Catherine Michie, a neuro-ICU nurse, posted a statement on Instagram that
read, in part:
"Words cannot express the pain of knowing I won't hear your laugh again.
I hope you find peace, and I'm sorry I wasn't there when you needed me most.
The world is better because you were in it.
I know we will paint together again someday.
I'll always be your sugarpop."
She also signed the post with the sweet nickname that Jansen called her: Bubbles.
Catherine served as inspiration for at least one of Jansen's art pieces.
On February 17, 2023, just days before his death, Jansen shared a picture of Catherine
standing next to what appeared to be an artistic impression of her.
Taking a closer look at the Instagram snap, fans can see the word "love" in several places
as well as a caduceus, which often represents someone who works in public health services
— such as a nurse.
Catherine shared the same photo on her Instagram feed with the caption, "two peas in a pod."
The photo also serves as her profile picture.