news-engine

Wladimir Klitschko has spoken publicly after the sudden death of Hayden Panettiere, his former partner and the mother of their daughter, Kaya. Hayden Panettiere, the actress known for Heroes and Nashville, died at 36 on Sunday, August 16, 2026, after authorities found her unresponsive at a residence in Greenville, South Carolina. Emergency responders reported cardiac arrest, while the Greenville County Coroner’s Office said an autopsy found no signs of trauma that contributed to her death. Police also said there were no signs of foul play or suspicious circumstances. The official cause and manner of her death are still pending further investigation and test results. Wladimir Klitschko Mourns Hayden Panettiere Klitschko shared his statement on social media early Tuesday, describing the family’s reaction to the Hayden Panettiere death. “Our family is going through a time of profound shock and grief.” He added, “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.” The former heavyweight champion and Hayden Panettiere began their relationship around 2009 and became engaged in 2013. Panettiere and Klitschko welcomed their daughter, Kaya Evdokia, in December 2014. The couple ended their relationship in 2018. Klitschko later became Kaya’s primary caregiver after Panettiere relinquished custody during a period when she was dealing with personal struggles. Hayden Panettiere’s Career and Family Hayden Panettiere became a successful child actress before gaining worldwide attention as Claire Bennet on Heroes. She later starred as Juliette Barnes in Nashville, earning Golden Globe nominations, and appeared in films including the Scream franchise. Earlier in 2026, she released her memoir, This Is Me: A Reckoning, in which she discussed her struggles with addiction, postpartum depression and motherhood. Klitschko also remembered the career Hayden Panettiere built despite the challenges she faced. “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.” Their daughter continued to keep the former couple connected. Recent reporting said Kaya primarily lived with her father, while Panettiere maintained a close relationship with her through visits and video calls. Wladimir Klitschko Promises to Protect Kaya’s Memory Klitschko said his focus now remains on helping Kaya remember her mother with respect. “To our daughter Kaya, I will always speak of her mother with respect and make sure she remembers the person she was.” He also offered condolences to Panettiere’s wider family, friends and fans. “I extend my deepest condolences to Hayden’s parents, her friends, and her fans, who are also grieving today. Young and talented people like Hayden should not leave this world so soon.” Klitschko then asked the public to give the family privacy. “I ask everyone to please respect our family’s feelings and privacy during this incredibly difficult time. For now, this is all I wish to say.” “Thank you to everyone who is supporting my family and expressing their sincere condolences.” Klitschko ended his message with a final farewell: “Rest easy, Hayden. May you find eternal peace. #WeLoveYouHayden.” The post included an older family photograph of Klitschko, Hayden Panettiere and Kaya together on a beach. Meanwhile, authorities continue investigating the circumstances surrounding Hayden Panettiere’s death, with the official cause still pending.