Hayden Panettiere’s ex-fiance Wladimir Klitschko, who is also the father of her only child, is speaking out after the beloved actress’ shocking death at age 36.
Ukrainian boxer Wladimir Klitschko — who Panettiere dated on and off between 2009 and 2018 — shared a lengthy statement on Instagram on Tuesday, August 18, two days after Panettiere was found dead.
“Our family is going through a time of profound shock and grief,” the single father began his tribute, accompanied by a throwback picture of them with their 11-year-old daughter, Kaya. “The announcement of Hayden’s tragic death saddens me deeply. She left this world far too soon. Hayden was, although no longer my partner, an important part of my life and the mother of our daughter, Kaya.”
Klitschko went on to praise Panettiere’s impressive career which began when she was just an infant while acknowledging her struggles with the “darker sides of a very demanding industry.”
He then made a vow to their daughter, over whom he has sole custody. “To our daughter Kaya,” he wrote, “I will always speak of her mother with respect and make sure she remembers the person she was.”
The former couple welcomed Kaya in 2014, a year after they got engaged. However, they split up for good in 2018, and Panettiere made the “difficult decision” to hand over full custody of Kaya to Klitschko due to her struggles with post-partum depression and substance abuse.
“I extend my deepest condolences to Hayden’s parents, her friends, and her fans who are also grieving today,” Klitschko added in his tribute, noting that “young and talented people like Hayden should not leave this world so soon.”
Asking for privacy during this “incredibly difficult time,” Klitschko ended his tribute by writing, “Rest easy, Hayden. May you find eternal peace.”
2026-08-18 17:07:00
