Hayden Panettiere became emotional as she spoke about her late brother Jansen in her first TV appearance since his sudden death last month.
The Walking Dead and Ice Age actor, 28, was found dead at his home in New York on February 19.
A medical examiner’s report determined that his cause of death was due to an enlarged heart, coupled with aortic valve complications.
Appearing on Good Morning America on Monday, host Michael Strahan offered his condolences to the 33-year-old actress, saying: “We want to just tell you that we’re sorry to hear about the passing of your brother Jansen and we send our love and condolences to your family.”
Looking teary, Panettiere replied: “He’s right here with me,” as she put her hand on her chest.
She was later seen putting on a brave face as she walked the red carpet of the world premiere of her new film Scream VI in New York.
A source close to Nashville and Heroes star Panettiere said that she was “inconsolable” following the news of Jansen’s passing, saying she had considered her sibling who was five year’s her junior, her “best friend”.
“[Jansen] had been having a rough time lately with his career and he was dragged in so many directions,” a source told DailyMail.com.
They added: “Hayden is just inconsolable. He was her best friend and her only brother. He was such a nice guy but he lived on the edge.”
After Jansen’s cause of death had been confirmed, his family issued a joint statement to ABC thanking the public for their support as they attempted to come to terms with their loss.
It read: “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.”
