Jansen Panettiere's cause of death has been revealed by relatives following the star's tragic death at 28.
The actor - who is the brother of Nashville star Hayden Panettiere - is perhaps best known to fans for his roles in shows like The Walking Dead and Blue's Clues, and movies such as Ice Age: The Meltdown, The Perfect Game, and The Secrets of Jonathan Sperry.
His most recent acting credit was for the 2022 holiday flick Love and Love Not.
It was previously reported that Jansen had passed away in his New York apartment on the evening of February 19.
He was found unresponsive in an armchair by friends, who performed CPR on the young star until his father, Alan 'Skip' Panettiere, arrived at the scene. His friends ha visited the Nyack apartment after growing concerned that Jansen had missed a meeting, per the Daily Mail.
At the time, his family did not provide a statement due to an investigation into the actor's cause of death.
Now, the Daily Mail has reported that his relatives say the actor died "from an enlarged heart", which was "coupled with aortic valve complications". They add that the medical examiners have confirmed the cause of death.
A statement from the family reads: "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.
"His charisma, warmth, compassion for others, and his creative spirit will live forever in our hearts and in the hearts of all whom he encountered."
The statement continued: "Though it offers little solace, the Medical Examiner reported Jansen's sudden passing was due to cardiomegaly (enlarged heart), coupled with aortic valve complications.
"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."
The Daily Mail adds that the Rockland County Medical Examiner has yet to publicly confirm the star's cause of death, as of this writing.
In recent years, Jansen was open about his decision to step away from Hollywood and relocate to New York, spending time focusing on his art, according to the biography on his website. "Jansen Rane Panettiere is a New York based artist who started painting his problems," it began.
"Despite having been introduced to paint brushes and a canvas at a young age by his father who was an amateur artist at the time, Jansen grew up in the entertainment industry, alongside his sister, actress Hayden Panettiere, and played roles in The Perfect Game, The Last Day of Summer, The Walking Dead, and more," the bio continued.
His bio also candidly explored the actor's previous battles with mental health, explaining: "After spending time in LA as an adult he was ridden with terrible anxiety and depression; this period in his life eventually produced a spiritual clarity that drove him to start painting his problems, one by one.
"With more than 50 pieces, Jansen continues to heal himself as well as others with his visceral and emotive work."
Our thoughts are with Jansen's family, friends, and family at this time.
