Hayden Panettiere Addresses Brother Jansen's Passing While Fighting Tears

Hayden Panettiere is returning to the limelight following the unexpected passing of her brother Jansen Panettiere on February 19.

Naturally, Hayden has stayed mute on the distressing subject. However, she recently gave her first interview since the incident and before the release of her comeback movie "Scream VI" on March 10.

While appearing on "Good Morning America" to promote "Scream VI" after taking a break from the movie industry for nearly half a decade, Hayden broke her silence about her brother's passing.

Amid the conversation, "GMA" host Michael Strahan offered his love and condolences to the guest star, prompting her to place a hand on her heart and express gratitude.

She said with her voice cracking as she held back tears, "He's uh right here with me." Hayden's interview comes before she made her first red carpet appearance following the death of Jensen two weeks prior.

Per reports, she graced the world premiere of her comeback horror movie in which she will reprise her role as Kirby Reed from "Scream 4."

The 33-year-old rocked a black off-shoulder mini dress at the AMC Lincoln Square Theater event, with a floor-length black trench coat, matching pantyhose, and a scarf adorning her neck.  

She completed her look with gold diamond-embossed earrings, several gold rings, and black pumps. At the same time, her blonde tresses were styled into a sleek bun.

As for her role in the new "Scream" installment, she is returning with other survivors of the Ghostface murders in "Scream 4."

Other stars making a comeback from the fifth part of the film include Jenna Ortega and Melissa Barrera as half-sisters, Mason Gooding and Jasmine Savoy Brown as twins, and OG star, Courteney Cox. 

Jansen's untimely death at 28 was a huge blow to the Panettiere family, who released a statement a week after, conveying their sorrow and revealing the cause of the demise.

In a lengthy statement the family — father Alan Lee "Skip" Panettiere, mother Lesley Vogel, and sister Hayden — began:

"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."

They expressed their love for the late actor whose "charisma, warmth, compassion for others and his creative spirit will live forever" in their hearts and those he encountered.

Sharing details about what made Jansen lose his life suddenly, the bereaved clan confirmed that he died of cardiomegaly. In their words, "Though it offers little solace, the Medical Examiner reported Jansen's sudden passing was due to cardiomegaly (enlarged heart) coupled with aortic valve complications."

At the end of the heartwrenching message, they sent thanks to those who showed them love and support as they tried to "navigate this unthinkable loss."

The Panettieres also requested privacy "during this time of mourning" before declaring, "We love you so much, Jansen, and you will be in our hearts forever." 

At the time of Jansen's passing in his New York City apartment, there was no certain cause of death, but it was reported that the police confirmed they got a call to his home at 5:30 PM on February 19.

In addition, the authorities maintained no hint of criminal activity surrounding the death. That may come as no surprise to fans given his cheery demeanor and love for art, as seen on his Instagram.

Before he departed this earth, one of his last posts was a portrait of his girlfriend, Catherine Michie, who paid homage to him after he died.

"Jasen, I met you only a year ago," she wrote, "but you have been my best friend and biggest fan. I will never forget the first time I saw your face and the first thing you said to me."

Michie went on with an expression of despair of never hearing him laugh before apologizing for not being there when he needed her the most.

She then concluded with words of love and stated, "Someone wake me up and tell me this is a dream. Love you, Bubbles."