Hayden Panettiere Says She’s “Riddled With Guilt” After Brother’s Deat

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Hayden Panettiere is looking back at a devastating chapter in her life.

Three years after the unexpected death of her brother, Jansen Panettiere, at age 28, the actress known for her role in Heroes has spoken about how she’s coped with the loss as an older sister.

Hayden described her grief to TopMob News as a constant presence, though it changes over time. As an older sibling, she particularly felt burdened by guilt, wishing she had done more to protect her sibling.

She said she constantly misses him. She never imagined she’d be facing life without him, but she’s thankful for all the time they shared.

After Jansen Panettiere’s death in February 2023, his family shared a statement with TopMob News explaining that the medical examiner determined he died from an enlarged heart, along with problems with his aortic valve.

Hayden, 36, revealed in her upcoming memoir, This Is Me: A Reckoning, which will be released on May 19th, that writing about Jansen was the hardest part of the entire book.

Hayden, having openly discussed her own recovery from addiction, felt guilty when reflecting on the difficult times her younger brother faced with substance abuse as he neared the end of his life.

I really should have known better than anyone,” Hayden said in her TopMob interview, but she also pointed out that “you can’t force someone to help themselves if they don’t want to. It’s just a difficult truth.”

Still deeply affected by Jansen’s passing – she had previously revealed she developed agoraphobia while grieving – the actress remains dedicated to honoring his memory.

She described him as a truly amazing artist, explaining that his paintings were her most treasured possession. She felt his personality shone through his work, as if a part of him lived on through his art, making it timeless.

The actress known for I Love You, Beth Cooper, who has an 11-year-old daughter named Kaya with her former fiancé Wladimir Klitschko, has also been focusing on her own well-being.

I’m really lucky to have a good therapist, but I also make a point of regularly checking in with my own feelings and needs. I focus on being self-aware and surrounding myself with supportive, positive people, which helps me stay grounded and understand what’s happening in my life.

That also includes setting personal boundaries.

You know, for years I really struggled with saying ‘no’. As someone who deeply feels what others are feeling – an empath, as they say – the thought of disappointing or upsetting anyone was just too much. I’d take on everything because I didn’t want them to feel bad, and honestly, I’d end up feeling it myself! But I’m learning now that it’s okay to prioritize my own well-being and establish some healthy boundaries. It’s a process, but it’s making a huge difference in my life.

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2026-05-19 19:47