Hayden Panettiere said she would ‘always be heartbroken’ about her brother’s sudden death
Hayden Panettiere's family has sadly experienced a lot of loss and grief over the last four years.
The 36-year-old star's death was confirmed last night (16 August) by her proud father, Skip.
He told ABC News: “It is with profound sadness that we share the tragic passing of our beloved Hayden.
“She was an incredible light and a force of nature who brought immeasurable love and joy to all who knew her - and to the millions who watched her onscreen.”
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Tragically, Hayden's younger sibling, Jansen, died in February 2023 aged 28, and she had previously spoken out about her grief and the loss of her little brother.
Jansen had also been a child actor - starring in the likes of The Perfect Game, The Secrets of Jonathan Sperry and The Martial Arts Kid - and his loved ones were stunned when he passed unexpectedly from aortic valve complications and an undiagnosed enlarged heart.
Heroes star Hayden told People about how the loss of her brother impacted her, revealing she had gained nearly 40 pounds from the stress and grief.
“It didn’t matter what I did, what I ate. I know stress and cortisol running through your body can do that,” she recalled in 2024.
“Now I think my body was protecting itself, shielding itself from the world.”
Hayden sadly added: “When I lost him, I felt like I lost half of my soul… I will always be heartbroken about [him], I will never be able to get over it.”
“No matter how many years go by, I will never get over his loss,” the actress confessed.
In February 2025, she paid tribute to Jansen to mark two years since he passed.
“2 years ago today, I lost my little brother, this amazing human being touched the lives of so many. Especially mine,” Hayden wrote.
The Instagram caption continued: “The pain isn’t quantifiable. I pray you’re in a beautiful place J. That you’re at peace and that when all is said and done…I’ll see you again. Rest easy brother. You are so missed and beyond loved.”
Later that year, on what would have been Jansen's 31st birthday, Hayden wrote: “My little brother Jansen would’ve turned 31 today. He was a remarkable human being.
“He was wise beyond his years and operated at a higher spiritual level than anyone I’ve ever met. He was everything that is good and pure in this world.
“I miss him every single day but I know his spirit is always near, watching over and protecting me and my family. I love you to infinity and beyond J and we will be together again one day.”
Police have since released a statement after Hayden's death.
Greenville Police Department said: “[Officers] accompanied by EMS personnel, responded to a report of an unresponsive female at around 1.50 pm Sunday.
“Upon arrival, medical assistance was administered; however, the individual, later identified as Hayden Panettiere, was pronounced deceased at the scene.
“The case is under investigation by the Greenville Police Department in conjunction with the Greenville County Coroner's Office.
“The preliminary investigation has not indicated any signs of foul play or suspicious circumstances. An acquaintance of Ms. Panettiere placed the 911 call.”
Stars share tributes to Hayden Panettiere
Viola Davis
Davis, who starred alongside Panettiere in the likes of The Architect (2006) and Custody (2016), penned: “What an amazing talent you were....so gifted. Julius and I loved working with you....an old, wise soul with such a deep heart. I wish the world had more time with you because I had a burning curiosity about who you were becoming.
“I saw this beautiful Phoenix rising from the ashes. Your tests became your testimony, and your testimony became your legacy. You will be remembered. Rest well, Hayden.
“Sending healing prayers to your family, your daughter, and all who loved you. May they always speak your name....”
Bethany Joy Lenz
In an emotional tribute, Panettiere’s Guiding Light co-star Joy Lenz wrote: “There is nothing that posting pictures on the internet can do. I avoid it usually in moments like this. But Im here with my head in my hands and I don’t know what else to do in aside from praying for her soul, which I have done and will continue.”
Admitting she's 'crushed', the actress continued: “I knew the wild little blonde. Was she nine? Ten? I was eighteen. She ran through the Screen Gem studio hallways at 222 E44th St. laughing and playing games in between Guiding Light blocking and camera rehearsals. Long, unruly curls trailing behind her. She knew her lines and everyone else’s. Her intelligence was astonishing. She understood scenes and nuance and human struggle like no child I’d ever seen on camera. And she’d sit with you for a great conversation, then giggle and go play.
“We’d connect on and off over the years, like the cousin in the family reunion who got famous and life moved her away—but I always felt such joy seeing her when we were lucky enough to cross paths. We’d make a pact to talk soon. Lunch. Dinner. Somewhere we could curl up into a corner—but we never quite made it happen. I mostly stayed up to date through mutual friends.
“I dont understand how this is real. Everything seemed to be turning around. She was coming BACK to life, wasn’t she? It’s too young and there’s still so much more life. And her daughter…. Hayden, you are surround by love. I’m sorry for every moment I didn’t reach out or check in. This can’t be real.”
Joy Lenz concluded: “These are moments of how I knew you, in glimpses over 26 years. I don’t know how to process this. I am praying for you to know the peace of God now and always.”
Selma Blair
Commenting underneath Panettiere’s final Instagram post, Blair said: “I love you. Don't be gone. Please.”
Emma Roberts
Paying tribute to her Scream 4 (2011) co-star, Roberts penned: “Rest in peace my sweet friend. you are so loved and you will be forever missed.”
Kim Cattrall
“Rest in peace sweet Hayden,” Cattrall, who starred as Panettiere’s onscreen mum in Ice Princess (2005), shared. “Gone far too soon.”
Masi Oka
In a heartfelt message to his Heroes co-star, Oka wrote on X: “Absolutely heartbroken to hear about Hayden. I had the privilege of working closely with her, and I’ll always remember her for her beautiful spirit, immense talent, and the joyful energy she brought to everything she did and the people around her. She was way wiser beyond her years and now gone too soon…
“My heart goes out to her family and everyone who loved her. Rest in peace, Hayden.”
Jenna Ortega
Taking to her Instagram Story, Ortega - who worked with Panettiere on Scream VI (2023) - said: “This is such a devastating loss. Rest well.”
Melissa Barrera
Fellow Scream VI star Barrera also paid tribute, saying: “Rest in peace sweet Hayden,” along with a broken heart emoji.
Jay Shetty
Shetty, who welcomed Panettiere on his On Purpose podcast just months ago, commented: “I can’t believe it. Our friendship had just begun and I was so moved by the conversation we shared earlier this year.
"My love and condolences to her family and fans.”
Topics: Celebrity, US News, Mental Health
Jen Thomas