Hayden Panettiere 'ballooned' with weight gain after brother's death
Eighteen months after the tragic passing of her younger brother, Hayden Panettiere has opened up about her deep emotional struggles.
In February 2023, Jansen Panettiere was discovered deceased in his New York apartment. His parents, Lesley Vogul and Skip Panettiere, shared in a statement that their 28-year-old son passed away due to "cardiomegaly" (an enlarged heart) along with complications related to his aortic valve.
Jansen’s passing created a deep void in the Panettiere family's lives. In a recent interview, Hayden, 35, shared that losing her only brother has taken a significant toll on her own health as well.
In her first comments since his passing, Hayden expressed that she will never be able to move on from Jansen's death.
"He was my only brother, and it was my responsibility to look after him. Losing him felt like losing a part of myself," she shared with People magazine.
"I'll always feel a deep sadness about it. I know I'll never fully move on. Even as time passes, his absence will always stay with me."
The Scream actress shared how the loss affected her well-being, both physically and mentally. She explained that his passing, along with images of herself attending his funeral, played a role in her struggle with agoraphobia.
Agoraphobia, according to the NHS, is a mental health condition that leads to anxiety and a sense of insecurity about one's surroundings.
She mentioned that her levels of stress and cortisol shot up while she was dealing with her grief. As a result, she experienced significant weight gain, which made her feel reluctant to go outside.
"I lacked the confidence to get dressed and go outside, but I realized that if I didn't force myself to move and get out, I would just continue to feel this way forever," she shared.
"It turned into a harmful cycle of constantly questioning whether I was good enough to go out."
In the year and a half following her brother's passing, Hayden began collaborating with a personal trainer whom she felt an instant connection with. During their training sessions, they would take long walks together and discuss Hayden's feelings of grief. Through these conversations, she found a way to ease her stress.
The actress shared that her viewpoint has changed. She mentioned that when something significant occurs, it helps you realize the importance of choosing your battles wisely and not letting minor issues bother you.
"When you experience something truly terrible and life-changing, it's hard for anything else to really shake you," she explained.
Jansen was discovered deceased by a group of friends who had come to visit him at his home in Nyack. They found him lying on his back in the living room.
Even though he was the brother of his renowned sister, Jansen forged his own journey in the entertainment world and gained recognition for his portrayal of Casper in the hit zombie series, The Walking Dead.
He appeared in the Nickelodeon drama The Xs, along with roles in Third Watch, Hope & Faith, and Everybody Hates Chris.
Following his passing, his family released a heartfelt message, highlighting his charm and imaginative nature.
"Jansen's emotions were evident in his gaze, and his charisma shone through his dazzling, captivating smile. His true essence reflected in his skillful and expressive artwork, while his playful sense of humor showcased his zest for life," they remarked.
In the message, they also expressed their gratitude to everyone who got in touch in response to the news.
"We are truly grateful for the overwhelming love and support we have received from everyone as we go through this unimaginable loss. We kindly request that we be allowed our privacy during this period of grief," the message, shared with ABC News, stated.
"We care deeply for you, Jansen, and you will always hold a special place in our hearts."
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