Hayden Panettiere, an actress who had been a familiar face on screen for decades, has died at the age of 36. Her spokesperson confirmed her death to ABC News. At the time, no further details about the circumstances were available.

The news is especially heartbreaking given the profound loss Panettiere experienced in recent years. After the death of her younger brother, Jansen, she spoke openly about her grief and the lasting impact it had on her life. Her family is now facing another devastating loss.

Hayden Panettiere’s Brother Jansen Died at 28

Jansen Panettiere, who also worked as an actor, died in 2023 at the age of 28. His death was attributed to complications involving his aortic valve and an enlarged heart that had not previously been diagnosed.

For Hayden, losing her younger brother was devastating. She spoke openly about their close bond and the profound effect his death had on her. “When I lost him, I felt like I lost half of my soul.”

She later told People that she did not believe she would ever fully overcome the pain of losing him, describing the grief as something she would carry with her for the rest of her life.

Hayden Panettiere Spoke Openly About Stress and Grief

Following Jansen’s death, Panettiere also discussed the physical effects of grief and prolonged stress. In an interview with People, she said she had gained nearly 20 kilograms during a particularly difficult period. “It didn't matter what I did, what I ate.”

She attributed the change in her body, at least in part, to stress and cortisol, explaining that she felt her body had been “protecting itself” from the outside world.

Panettiere had previously spoken candidly about other difficult chapters in her life, including opioid addiction, alcohol abuse, and postpartum depression.

Hayden Kept Her Brother’s Memory Alive

Even years after Jansen’s death, Panettiere continued to honor her brother publicly. On the second anniversary of his death in February 2025, she shared an emotional tribute on Instagram, remembering the impact he had on the lives of those around him and expressing her enduring love for him.

Her words offered a glimpse into just how deeply Jansen’s death continued to affect her—and how important his memory remained to her.

Family Asks for Privacy Following Hayden Panettiere’s Death

Following the actress’s death, her father, Skip Panettiere, issued a statement expressing his deep sorrow over the loss of his daughter. According to ABC News, he remembered Hayden as an extraordinary light who brought love and joy to countless people.

He also asked for privacy as the family takes time to process their devastating loss. Hayden Panettiere’s life was marked by early fame, a successful career, personal struggles, and the profound loss of her younger brother, Jansen. Her passing has left her family, friends, colleagues, and fans mourning a remarkable life cut far too short.