Family of actor Jansen Panettiere discloses actors cause of death

The 28-year-old actor’s death last week was caused due to cardiomegaly, or an enlarged heart, along with problems with the aortic valve.

The family released a statement to ABC News saying, “While it offers little consolation, the Medical Examiner confirmed Jansen‘s sudden death was due to cardiomegaly (enlarged heart), coupled with aortic valve issues.

“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. “We love you so much Jansen and you will be in our hearts forever.”

Family of actor Jansen Panettiere discloses actors cause of death

Hayden Panettiere’s younger brother Jansen passed away on February 19 in Nyack, New York. He was an actor who had followed his sister Hayden into the entertainment industry and had roles in Ice Age: The Meltdown, Blue’s Clues, Even Stevens, and The Walking Dead.

Panettiere, who was born in Palisades, New York, on September 25, 1994, originally gained recognition as a voice actor before making an appearance in 2002 on the Disney Channel series Even Stevens, which starred a young Shia LaBeouf. In 2003, he made appearances on the drama Third Watch and the sitcom Hope & Faith. The following year, he provided the voice of Periwinkle on Blue’s Clues.

In the statement to ABC News, the late actor’s family, including his mother Lesley Vogel, father Skip Panettiere and sister Hayden, said, “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.”