According to a police report, Jansen Panettiere, actress Hayden Panettiere’s younger brother, died on February 19, 2023, just one day before President’s Day.

Jansen’s friend, Benjamin Brown, went to Jansen’s apartment to find out why he failed to show up for a business meeting. When he arrived, he discovered his friend “sitting upright in a chair unresponsive.” Benjamin performed CPR on his friend until paramedics arrived, but it was not helpful. Jansen wasn’t breathing and was already cold to the touch.

EMTs arrived and pronounced Jansen dead. They moved him to the Rockland County morgue.

Now, one week later, Jansen’s family is speaking out and revealing his official cause of death. In a statement originally disclosed by ABC news, the family explained, “the Medical Examiner reported Jansen’s sudden passing was due to cardiomegaly (enlarged heart), coupled with aortic valve complications.”

The family went on to explain that Jansen’s “heart” was definitely big. They shared, “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.” They added, “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.”

 

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A post shared by Jansen Rane Panettiere (@jrpanettiere)

Jansen’s family, including his sister, requested “privacy during this time of mourning,” but they thanked fans for “the outpouring of love and support towards our family as we navigate this unthinkable loss.”

Like his sister, Jansen was also an actor. His credits include “Blue’s Clues,” “The X’s,” “The Perfect Game,” “The Last Day of Summer” and “Robots.” His last film credit was in 2022 for “Love and Love Not.”

In addition to acting, Jansen was also an artist who used art as a form of therapy and shared his artwork on social media.

Rest in peace.