On February 19, actor Jansen Panettiere – brother of actress Hayden Panettiere – passed away at the age of 28.
View this post on Instagram
Jansen followed in his older sister’s footsteps into the acting world, even appearing alongside the Nashville star in Racing Stripes and the Disney Channel movie Tiger Cruise.
Jansen has over 30 acting and voice acting credits to his name including Blue’s Clues, Ice Age, and The Walking Dead.
His family released a statement on Monday (Feb. 27), which revealed his cause of death.
The statement read, “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 in our hearts and in the hearts of all whom he encountered. Though it offers little solace, the Medical Examiner reported Jansen’s sudden passing was due to cardiomegaly (enlarged heart), coupled with aortic valve complications.”
Our thoughts and prayers are with the Panettiere family.