27 February 2023 , 14:28
739
0
Hayden Panettiere has broken her silence following the death of her beloved brother Jansen, the family saying he "will be our hearts forever."
The Ice Age and Walking Dead star was found dead aged just 28 inside his Nyack home in New York.
Jansen, five years Hayden's junior, appeared in multiple features throughout the early 00s, like Shia LaBeouf's TV show Even Stevens and a recurring role in Nickelodeon's The X's.
He tragically passed away on Sunday afternoon, just weeks after posting his last picture on social media. He was all-smiles in the haunting snap shared earlier this month.
Hayden has finally spoken out after Jansen's tragic death (WireImage)In a statement to ABC news today Monday, Hayden and the Panettiere family spoke about the tragedy for the first time.
Toy Story 5 'coming soon' says Disney CEO alongside two more huge movie sequels
They also spoke about Jansen's death following a medical report, "Though it offers little solace, the Medical Examiner reported Jansen’s sudden passing was due to cardiomegaly (enlarged heart), coupled with aortic valve complications."
They went on: "We sincerely appreciate the outpouring of love and support towards our family as we navigate this unthinkable loss, and ask that we be gifted our privacy during this time of mourning," the family said.
Hayden and brother Jansen (Getty Images)
The siblings in 2013 (Broadimage/REX/Shutterstock)"We love you so much Jansen and you will be in our hearts forever."
A source had previously claimed that Hayden was "inconsolable" at the news of Janson's tragic passing - referencing her "best friend".
"He had been having a rough time lately with his career and he was dragged in so many directions," a source told DailyMail.com yesterday.
They added: "Hayden is just inconsolable. He was her best friend and her only brother. He was such a nice guy but he lived on the edge."
Jansen's final photo, uploaded to Instagram on February 8 shows him grinning as he showcased his love for graffiti, penning the apt caption: "Graffiti is illegal."
Girlfriend Catherine Michie was amongst those in the final post's comment section, saying: "The law can't stop Jansen Panettiere."
The late star often promoted his graffiti inspired artwork on social media and had a dedicated site for his creative endeavour - with some proceeds going to help those in Ukraine.
"I started painting my problems which became my solution. 3% of all purchases goes to #@weareallukrainians2022," the Instagram bio for Jensen's art page reads.
BAFTA nominee Austin Butler shares tale of being pranked by Quentin Tarantino
Jansen and Hayden in 2008 (FilmMagic)The Instagram profile includes snaps of graffiti-embellished trainers, backpacks and Jensen proudly posing by some of his artwork.
The website for the r.a.n.e brand explains: "I AM a good person. I don’t do anything illegal or at least I don’t do illegal things that hurt people in front of me, if that makes sense.
"I’ve done drugs but I don’t steal. Not to say that anyone that’s ever stolen something is a bad person and far from it. Meaning I have my moments like everyone else."