Hayden Panettiere’s brother, Jansen, passed away on February 19th, and the cause of death has just been released.
In their statement to ABC News, the Panettiere family shared that the coroner has “reported Jansen’s sudden passing was due to cardiomegaly, coupled with aortic valve complications.”
They went on to say: “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 died at home on Sunday, Feb. 19, in New York. The actor had appeared alongside his sister in Tiger Cruise, the 2004 Disney Channel Original Movie that gave Hayden her first major role. He followed in his older sister’s footsteps, with roles in The Walking Dead and Everybody Hates Chris.
Jansen was also known for being a philanthropist, as well as a talented artist. Before he died, he designed a clothing collection that featured his art, donating three percent of all purchases to the non-profit organization, #WeAreAllUkrainians. The non-profit provides relief to Ukrainian citizens and lends support to Ukrainian refugees.