Wladimir Klitschko mourns the death of his former fiancée Hayden Panettiere, 36, promising to keep her memory alive for their daughter Kaya.
Klitschko’s Heartfelt Instagram Message
Klitschko posted on Instagram that the family is in “profound shock and grief” after Panettiere’s sudden death.
He emphasized that, although she is “no longer my partner,” the time they shared cannot be erased and that Panettiere remains an important part of their lives.
Career Highlights
Panettiere began acting as an infant, appearing in a toy commercial at 11 months old.
She earned early credits in “A Bug’s Life,” “Remember the Titans,” “Ice Princess,” and “Bring It On: All or Nothing” before breaking out as Claire Bennet on NBC’s “Heroes.”
From 2012 to 2018 she starred opposite Connie Britton as country singer Juliette Barnes on “Nashville.”
Personal Struggles and Custody
Panettiere opened up about alcohol addiction and postpartum depression in her memoir “This Is Me,” released in May.
She transferred custody of Kaya to Klitschko in 2018, saying she wanted to protect her daughter from a public battle that could harm the child.
In a 2023 interview she said she feared a contentious custody fight between two famous parents would “permanently damage” Kaya, leading her to keep the child with Klitschko.
Investigation into Her Death
Panettiere was found in cardiac arrest in South Carolina and pronounced dead at 2:32 p.m., according to the coroner’s office.
EMS attempted resuscitation but could not revive her; the preliminary autopsy showed no signs of trauma, and the cause of death remains pending.
Police and the Greenville County Coroner’s Office continue the investigation and have not released further details.
Celebrity Tributes
Viola Davis, Bethany Joy Lenz and other celebrities posted tributes, praising her talent and compassion.
Klitschko asked the family’s privacy be respected, writing that “young and talented people like Hayden should not leave this world so soon” and wishing her eternal peace.
