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Wladimir Klitschko has paid tribute to his former partner Hayden Panettiere following the actress’ sudden death at the age of 36, describing her as an “important part” of his life and promising to ensure their daughter remembers her mother with respect.
The Ukrainian former heavyweight boxing champion shared a selfie of himself with Panettiere and their daughter, Kaya, alongside an emotional statement on Instagram.
“Our family is going through a time of profound shock and grief,” Klitschko wrote. “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.”
He added, “She built an incredible career through immense talent, while also facing the darker sides of a very demanding industry. Nothing will erase the times we shared or the place she had in our lives.”
The pair began dating in 2009 and became engaged in 2013. They welcomed their daughter in 2014 before separating in 2018. She appeared ringside at several of Klitschko’s fights.
Following their separation, Panettiere gave full custody of Kaya to Klitschko as she struggled with addiction and her mental health.
Earlier this year, Panettiere released her memoir “This Is Me: A Reckoning”, in which she opened up about her struggles with mental health, the death of her younger brother Jansen Panettiere who died in February 2023, and her decision to give full custody of Kaya.
She described herself as being in a “horrible cycle for years of battling depression and anxiety and alcoholism and substance abuse” while “just trying to find my way back, my way out of the darkness”.
Klitschko also addressed their daughter directly, promising to preserve Panettiere’s memory for her. “To our daughter Kaya, I will always speak of her mother with respect and make sure she remembers the person she was,” he wrote.
He concluded his statement by offering his condolences to Panettiere’s family, friends and fans, while asking for privacy for their family.
Following news of her death, other tributes have poured in from across the entertainment industry. Scream VI co-star Melissa Barrera was among the first to pay tribute, writing “Rest in peace sweet Hayden” on Instagram. Actress Selma Blair wrote “I love you. Don’t be gone. Please. Please.” Actor Beverley Mitchell, who featured in the US television series 7th Heaven, added: “Praying the news is wrong! You are such a bright light and soooo loved”.
Panettiere, who was best known for playing cheerleader Claire Bennet in the hit superhero series Heroes and country singer Juliette Barnes in the musical drama Nashville, died on 16 August in South Carolina, just days before what would have been her 37th birthday.
She was found unresponsive and in cardiac arrest, and emergency responders attempted to resuscitate her before she was pronounced dead.
Authorities have said there were no signs of trauma or foul play, while her official cause and manner of death remain under investigation.