Hayden Panettiere Remembers Late Brother Jansen on the 2-Year Anniversary of His Death: 'The Pain Isn't Quantifiable'

Hayden Panettiere Remembers Late Brother Jansen on the 2-Year Anniversary of His Death: 'The Pain Isn't Quantifiable' https://ift.tt/LN6y4pm

In February 2023, PEOPLE confirmed that Jansen died at age 28 from aortic valve complications and an undiagnosed enlarged heart

Amanda Edwards/Getty Hayden Panettiere (L) and Jansen Panettiere

Hayden Panettiere is honoring her late brother, Jansen Panettiere.

On Feb. 19, the Nashville alum, 35, paid tribute to her brother on the two-year anniversary of death with a touching tribute post shared to Instagram.

"2 years ago today, I lost my little brother," she wrote alongside a black and white photo of the two on a boat. "This amazing human being touched the lives of so many. Especially mine. 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," she continued. "You are so missed and beyond loved. 💜

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In February 2023, PEOPLE confirmed that Jansen died at age 28 from aortic valve complications and an undiagnosed enlarged heart.

Days after learning of her only sibling's death, Hayden recalled how her entire body began swelling up as she was grieving her brother's loss.

“I just ballooned out,” Hayden told PEOPLE of her rapid 40-pound weight gain in September 2024. "It didn't matter what I did, what I ate. I know stress and cortisol running through your body can do that. Now I think my body was protecting itself, shielding itself from the world."

Alberto E. Rodriguez/Getty (L) Hayden Panettiere with her mom, her brother Jansen and her father

Related: Hayden Panettiere Remembers Her Brother on 1-Year Anniversary of His Death: 'We'll Meet Again'

She revealed that the sudden change was a result of her brother's death, adding that she felt a duty to "protect him" as Jansen's older sister.

“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," she said.

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Jansen acted alongside his older sister on TV and in films, appearing in Even Stevens, The Walking Dead, The Perfect Game, The Martial Arts Kid and Racing Stripes. He was also a passionate artist and displayed his portraits and abstract paintings on his Instagram account.

Following his death, the Panettiere family shared in a statement with PEOPLE, “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."

The statement concluded, "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."