Jansen Panettiere: Sister Hayden Panettiere and family say 'TWD' actor died from 'enlarged heart' in tribute
ALBANY, NEW YORK: Hayden Panettiere and her family paid a heart-breaking tribute to her brother, Jansen Panettiere, following his untimely demise last week on February 19. The 28-year-old actor reportedly died "from an enlarged heart" according to family members, who claim it was confirmed by the medical examiner.
'The Walking Dead' actor was found dead at his apartment in Nyack, New York, last Sunday by his friends who were "concerned" when he missed a meeting. His Nyack residence was close to where he and his sister, Hayden, grew up in Palisades.
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Jansen's family issues statement
Jansen's friends found him "sitting upright in a chair unresponsive" and began performing CPR before his father Alan 'Skip' Panettiere arrived. "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", the entire family said in a statement according to Daily Mail. "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. 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. We love you so much Jansen and you will be in our hearts forever."
Jansen battled drug addiction
The 'Nashville' drama star is reportedly left devastated following the death of her brother. Jansen had been regularly abusing prescription painkillers which is believed to be Oxycodone and had been "popping them like gumballs" over the years. According to multiple sources, Jansen had recovered completely after a stint in rehab last year. However, in the last few months, things changed drastically. "He'd come out of a car at 4 am wasted. He said he was just coming back from a shoot. He looked destroyed," said a local according to Daily Mail. Though there are no foul plays reported about the death, the Rockland County Medical Examiner has not yet publicly confirmed the cause of death.
