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Hayden Panettiere Can't Hold Back Tears at Brother's Funeral, Wearing His Jacket after 'Too Big Hear

  • Jansen Panettiere’s cause of death: His family break the silence.
  • Hayden Panettiere's brother left behind his family and beloved girlfriend, whose photo he posted just before passing away.
  • Hayden is going to speak at her late brother’s funeral.

What caused Hayden Panettiere’s brothers death was revealed by his family in late February 2023. Jansen Panettiere passed away suddenly on February 19, 2023, at age 28.

Just like his older sister, Jansen was an actor who was famous for starring on the film "The Last Day of Summer,” voicing "The X's" and "Ice Age: The Meltdown,” and working on the series "The Walking Dead."

Jansen and Hayden Panettiere at the Environmental Media Awards on October 19, 2013, in Burbank, California | Source: Getty Images

His family chose to not say much about his untimely death until they had more facts to share with his fans. Now, Hayden has finally broken her silence, and was seen arriving at Jansen's funeral this week in tears.

Hayden Speaks Out After Loss of Her Brother and Appears Crying at His Funeral

Jansen’s family released a statement a week after his death talking about the tragedy and giving fans more information, revealing, "Jansen’s heart could be seen in his eyes..." Those included in the statement were his parents, Alan "Skip" Panettiere and Lesley Vogel, plus his sister, Hayden Panettiere, with them saying:

"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."

Hayden Panettiere, Jansen Panettiere, and Lesley Vogel at a screening of "Sharkwater Extinction" on January 31, 2019, in Hollywood, California | Source: Getty Images

Jansen is warmly remembered by those who were close to him, especially his family. The Panitierre family has also revealed what Jansen's cause of death was. They are heartbroken at his untimely loss.

Jansen's Heartbreaking Cause of Death: His Family Speaks Out

Jansen’s family also revealed that he’d passed away from an enlarged heart, which led a fan to comment that his heart was "too big for this world." The medical examiner told them that the late actor died from a cardiomegaly, “coupled with aortic valve complications.”

His family said they appreciated the support and love they were receiving while navigating the “unthinkable loss.” They asked for privacy while they mourned, before adding a direct message for Jansen, stating:

"We love you so much Jansen and you will be in our hearts forever."

Hayden’s brother was also an artist who shared some of his work on his Instagram account. Weeks before his death, he uploaded a photo of his older sister cutting his hair, and besides her and his parents, he was also survived by his girlfriend.

This week, Hayden gave her first interview since her brother passed away and finally broke her silence on she felt about losing him. In the interview, Hayden was emotional when the topic of her brother came up.

Hayden Panettiere and Brian Hickerson are seen at the celebration of life event for Panettiere's younger brother Jansen Panettiere on March 8, 2023 in Palisades, New York | Source: Getty Images

She became tearful when the interviewer said he extended sincere condolences to Hayden and her family and then quietly said: "He's right here with me," and gestured to the empty space next to her on the sofa. A YouTube user commented: "Losing a sibling is unimaginable."

After the interview, Hayden arrived at Jansen's funeral wearing his jacket. Reports said she might speak at Jansen's funeral service, but it has not been confirmed whether or not she did so. The family was surrounded by those close to them for support.

Hayden Panettiere and Brian Hickerson are seen at the celebration of life event for Panettiere's younger brother Jansen Panettiere on March 8, 2023 in Palisades, New York | Source: Getty Images

Hayden Panettiere is seen at the celebration of life event for Panettiere's younger brother Jansen Panettiere on March 8, 2023 in Palisades, New York | Source: Getty Images

The funeral took place on March 8, 2023, in Palisades, New York. Those invited to the remembrance were family, friends, and anyone else who had a close, personal relationship with Jansen. Many attendees appeared emotional and Hayden was often seen wiping away tears.

Jansen Left behind His Family and Beloved Girlfriend, Whose Photo He Posted Just before Passing Away

In 2012, it was reported that Alan and Vogel were getting divorced a few years after he was accused of domestic-violence against her. After 21 years together, Vogel filed for divorce.

Lesley Vogel, Hayden Panettiere, and Jansen Panettiere at a launch party for 7 For All Mankind's New Crystalized by Swarovski Holiday Jean on September 23, 2004 | Source: Getty Images

In her court filing, Vogel asked to change her name back to Lesley Rosalind Vogel. She also asked that she and her former husband share joint legal and physical custody of Jansen, then 17.

Hayden’s younger sibling appeared to have come out unscathed by his parents’ divorce and even found love. On February 18, 2023, a day before Jansen’s death, he shared a lovely Instagram image of his girlfriend, Catherine Michie, posing next to one of his artworks.

A day after his death, Michie paid tribute to him by posting throwback photos of them enjoying each other’s company. In her caption, she spoke to him revealing how they’d met a year ago and he’d become her biggest fan and best friend.

She shared that she was never going to forget the first time she saw his face and the first things he said to her. The late actor’s girlfriend noted how words couldn’t express the pain she felt knowing she wouldn’t hear his laugh again.

Jansen’s girlfriend hoped he found peace and was apologetic that she wasn’t around when he needed her most. Michie believed the world was better for having had her boyfriend in it and knew one day they’d paint together again, with her concluding:

“I’ll always be your sugarpop. Someone wake me up and tell me this is a dream. Love you, Bubbles.”

Two days after his death, Michie shared a clip of him sitting on the front porch bonding with what looked like a squirrel. On the same day, the actor’s girlfriend shared an Instagram photo of them posing together touching foreheads.

On February 27, 2023, she uploaded another picture of her and Jansen during happier times. She heartbreakingly explained that finding selfies like the one she shared made her “world spin” and felt silly but clearly missed her “home.”

Hayden and Jansen Panettiere at Variety's 5th Annual Power of Youth Event on October 22, 2011, in Hollywood, California | Source: Getty Images

While Michie was one of the people who broke their silence since Jansen’s death, his sister was one of the people who haven’t said anything publicly on their own. However, some details about Hayden’s role at her brother’s funeral were revealed. Jansen's entire family, including his girlfriend, attended the funeral.

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