Hayden Panettiere's Brother Abusing Pills 'Like Gumballs'

Fatima Araos
Closeup of Jansen Panettiere
Getty | Todd Williamson

Hayden Panettiere's brother, Jansen, who passed away on February 19 at the age of 28, had an opioid habit and was treated for drug addiction a year before his unexpected death.

Sources Said He Was Abusing Prescription Painkillers

Jansen Panettiere in a plaid shirt
Flickr | antoniodane0219

According to Daily Mail, citing the actor and graffiti artist’s neighbors in Nyack, New York, Jansen was hooked on prescription painkillers – possibly oxycodone – and had been “popping them like gumballs” for years.

He Got Sober But Relapsed

Closeup of Jansen Panettiere
Flickr | vebstories

The sources added that he had sought treatment last year to get sober, but relapsed in recent months.

He Was Found Unresponsive At His Home

On Tuesday, news broke that the Secrets of Jonathan Sperry actor was found “sitting upright in a chair unresponsive” at his home by three friends, who attempted to revive him but failed.

No Cause Of Death Yet

The cause of death has not been announced, pending investigation by Orangetown Police.

The Neighbors' Speculations

Jansen Panettiere in a gray suit
Flickr | 8theplay

However, Jansen’s neighbors are now speculating about a possible drug overdose, as they often saw him coming home at odd hours of the night “shabbily dressed” and looking “wasted.”

'He Looked Destroyed'

Jansen Panettiere wearing shades
Flickr | Fafouls

One of them revealed, “He'd come out of a car at 4am wasted. He said he was just coming back from a shoot. He looked destroyed.”

He Suddenly Moved Out

The same neighbor, who described the Last Day of Summer actor as “regular, friendly,” and “unpretentious,” also said that he suddenly “moved out” and “disappeared” about a year and a half ago, and that his dad came to get his things.

Why He Left

Closeup of Jansen Panettiere
Flickr | 8theplay

The neighbor speculated that he left to get treatment.

“When he came back, he looked okay in the beginning. He looked like a different person. He came back straightened up. Then he went downhill from there,” the source added.

Good Memories

Jansen Panettiere in a blazer and jeans
Flickr | Pizza Hut Photos

However, the neighbor also had good memories of Jansen.

'Very Nice Guy'

Jansen Panettiere in navy blazer and jeans
Flickr | JOnasIsMyMiddleName:)

“He was a very nice guy, very friendly, he was an artist and an actor. Very friendly and generous; he would always offer me help,” the neighbor recalled.

What Happened On The Day He Died

The Walking Dead actor was supposed to attend a meeting on Sunday. When he didn’t show up, his friends became worried and went to check on him.

They Tried To Help Him

Jansen and Hayden Panettiere
Flickr | adva.myheritage

The three friends – Benjamin Brown, Joe Fails, and Lars Arianti – performed CPR in an attempt to revive him, and called 911 and Jansen’s dad, Skip Panettiere, as well.

'Dead On Arrival'

However, he was “pronounced dead on arrival by an EMT,” according to a report, with “no obvious signs of trauma observed.”

What His Father Told EMTs

Skip had also told EMTs that his son “sounded okay” when they talked on the phone the previous night.

His Mental State

Jansen Panettiere holding a book
Flickr | American Foundation for Equal Rights

Meanwhile, another insider has offered insight into Jansen’s mental state leading up to his death, saying he had been struggling with depression and anxiety – a fact that he also disclosed on his website.

Having A 'Rough Time' With His Career

Jansen Panettiere in a movie scene
Flickr | Mark Burman

The source revealed that the artist had been “having a rough time lately with his career” and complained about “being dragged in so many directions.”

How Is Hayden Holding Up?

Hayden Panettiere in a strapless white dress
Flickr | met52

His sister, Nashville actress Hayden, has not released a statement but is “inconsolable” over Jansen’s death, according to the insider.

'Her Best Friend'

Hayden Panettiere kissing Jansen
Flickr | loren267

“He was her best friend and her only brother,” the source added. “He was such a nice guy but he lived on the edge.”

Statement From Orangetown Police

Meanwhile, Orangetown Police Sgt. Peter Maher told Daily Mail they’re still “awaiting an official determination of the cause of death from the Rockland County Medical Examiner.”