Hayden Panettiere Reflects on the Loss of Her Brother Jansen Panettiere

 

Hayden Panettiere (L) and Jansen Panettiere.Photo:Amanda Edwards/Getty

Hayden Panettiere, beloved star of Nashville, has opened up about the heart-wrenching loss of her younger brother, Jansen Panettiere, in a recent People interview. Jansen, just 28, passed away unexpectedly from an undiagnosed heart condition in 2023. Hayden shared her emotional journey, reflecting on the pain and devastation that has since shaped her outlook on life.

"I Lost Half of My Soul"

In the interview, Hayden Panettiere revealed the deep bond she shared with Jansen. "He was my only sibling, and it was my job to protect him," she shared. After his passing, she felt like she had lost "half of [her] soul," a profound sense of grief that has stayed with her.

Coping with Grief Amidst a Career Comeback

The loss of her brother came during a pivotal moment in Hayden’s career. After struggling with substance abuse and going through rehab, Hayden was making a comeback, both personally and professionally. She had overcome a highly publicized breakup and was working on rebuilding her life when tragedy struck.

Her journey to sobriety began in 2020 when she sought help at an inpatient rehab facility. Later, she joined a 12-step program and started trauma therapy to further her recovery. In 2021, Hayden was able to open up about her struggles, facing both emotional and physical challenges, including weight gain, agoraphobia, and her fight to stay healthy.

The Emotional Toll of Grief and Trauma

Hayden shared that the aftermath of her brother's death triggered her agoraphobia—a condition she had battled before. Agoraphobia is an anxiety disorder where people avoid situations that cause panic or helplessness, as noted by the Mayo Clinic. Following the tragic event, Hayden felt overwhelmed, even gaining weight due to the stress and emotional pain. She confided in People, saying she didn't feel confident leaving the house.

Finding Support and Healing Through Personal Trainer Marnie Alton

One key figure in Hayden’s recovery was personal trainer Marnie Alton. Introduced by her publicist, Alton supported Hayden through therapeutic walks, helping her process emotions and regain confidence. This period became essential for Hayden’s healing, allowing her to recover physically and emotionally.

"A New Outlook on Life"

Despite the pain, Hayden shared that she has gained a new perspective on life after Jansen’s death. She now prioritizes what truly matters and avoids letting small issues upset her. "Once something so horrific, so deep, so catastrophic happens in your life, there's not much that can really rock you," she explained. But despite her strength, she acknowledged that the heartbreak will never fade: "I will always be heartbroken about it. I will never be able to get over it."

Understanding Jansen Panettiere’s Cause of Death

Jansen Panettiere’s passing was sudden and tragic. His family revealed in a statement that the cause of death was due to cardiomegaly, or an enlarged heart, coupled with aortic valve complications. Cardiomegaly is often linked to high blood pressure, though some people show no symptoms.

Conclusion

The death of Jansen Panettiere has left a permanent mark on Hayden Panettiere’s life. As she continues her journey toward healing, her story is a testament to resilience, the power of support, and the enduring nature of grief. While she may never fully recover from the loss, Hayden has emerged with a renewed outlook, determined to live her life fully in honor of her brother.