Hayden Panettiere was noticeably saddened as she accepted condolences for her late brother on Good Morning America, her voice shaking as she declared he was right there with her.
Jansen Panettiere, the younger brother of Scream and Nashville actor Hayden Panettiere, died last month at the age of 28.
In a statement released by the family, they said: ‘Jansen’s heart could be seen in his eyes, and his charm in his brilliant, engaging smile; his soul in his masterful and revealing paintings, and the joy of life in his dry wit.’
Hayden, 33, recently appeared on Good Morning America in the United States to discuss her comeback as Kirby Reed in Scream VI, having initially featured in the franchise’s fourth installment in 2011.
When their conversation came to an end, GMA anchor Michael Strahan offered his sympathies to Hayden after discussing the sixth film’s setting in New York and what it may imply for the continuation of Ghostface’s story.
‘Before we go we want to just tell you that we’re sorry to hear about the passing of your brother Jansen,’ he said.
‘Thank you,’ she responded, as her lips began to quiver and she placed a hand over her heart.
‘We send our love and condolences to you and your family,’ Michael added.
‘He’s right here with me,’ Hayden said, her voice choking up and looking tearful.
Upon Jansen’s death, his loved ones stated that his ‘charisma, warmth, sympathy for others, and creative spirit’ will ‘live eternally in our hearts and the hearts of everyone those he encountered’.
‘While it gives little relief, the Medical Examiner determined Jansen’s untimely mortality was due to cardiomegaly (enlarged heart), coupled with aortic valve issues,’ they said.
Sharing his cause of death, they wrote: ‘Though it offers little solace, the Medical Examiner reported Jansen’s sudden passing was due to cardiomegaly (enlarged heart), coupled with aortic valve complications.’
Thanking well-wishers, the family added: ‘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.’
Good Morning America airs on ABC in the US.
Source My Celebrity Life.