More than one year after the unexpected death of Hayden Panettiere‘s younger brother, Jansen, the actress is speaking out. In a new interview, Hayden opened up about experiencing agoraphobia after her weight “ballooned out” as she grieved the loss of her only sibling and shared how she’s doing now. She’s been through a lot over the last several years, but it seems like she’s finally turning a corner.
More from CafeMom: Sean ‘Diddy’ Combs Investigation Revealed His Home Was Stocked With 1,000 Bottles of Baby Oil
Jansen Panettiere died in February 2023.
TMZ was the first to report the news, revealing that the 28-year-old had been found dead in New York when police were called to his home.
The family later released a statement to share his cause of death: an enlarged heart.
“Though it offers little solace, the Medical Examiner reported Jansen’s sudden passing was due to cardiomegaly (enlarged heart), coupled with aortic valve complications,” the statement read, via ABC News. “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.”
Now, Hayden is opening up about just how difficult that time in her life was for her.
In a new interview with People, Hayden said that she quickly “ballooned out” and gained 40 pounds as she tried to process the loss of her brother.
“It didn’t matter what I did, what I ate. I know stress and cortisol running through your body can do that. Now I think my body was protecting itself, shielding itself from the world,” she told the magazine.
Seeing photos of herself taken by paparazzi didn't help.
She said it was so bad that it caused her to experience agoraphobia, or a fear of being put into situations or places that a person may not be able to escape.
“I had to see horrific paparazzi pictures of myself coming out of Jansen’s funeral, which happened in a very private place, and it was shocking,” she told People. “I didn’t recognize myself. My agoraphobia came out, which is something I’ve struggled with in the past.”
More from CafeMom: ‘DWTS’ Contestant Stephen Nedoroscik Shares Advice He Got From Girlfriend During Emmys Date Night
Hayden doesn't think she'll ever get over the loss of her brother.
“He was my only sibling, and it was my job to protect him. When I lost him, I felt like I lost half of my soul,” she said. “I will always be heartbroken about [him], I will never be able to get over it. No matter how many years go by, I will never get over his loss.”
Losing a family member is a loss that many people will feel for the rest of their lives — and it seems especially true with how close Hayden and Jansen were, even into adulthood.
Today, she's doing well and returning to acting.
Hayden’s new movie, Amber Alert, is out on September 27, and after getting back into a workout routine with celebrity trainer Marnie Alton, she’s finally feeling more like herself again.
“My body just started reacting, not just from the working out. It allowed me to release the stress, the high expectations I’d always put on myself,” she said. “There’s nothing like looking in the mirror and feeling like you look good enough to walk out the door.”
