Her later years were also marked by devastating family tragedy.
In February 2023, Panettiere’s younger brother, actor Jansen Panettiere, died unexpectedly at just 28 years old. His family said his death resulted from cardiomegaly, or an enlarged heart, combined with complications involving his aortic valve.
Hayden later described how profoundly losing her only sibling affected her.
“He was my only sibling, and it was my job to protect him. When I lost him, I felt like I lost half of my soul.”
Despite everything she experienced, Panettiere continued working toward rebuilding her life and career. In one of her later interviews, she acknowledged that recovery and personal growth were continuing processes.
“I’m a work in progress — we all are. I take each day as it comes. I’m doing the work, and I’m doing my best.”
Panettiere’s life ultimately contained fa
