Hayden Panettiere’s former fiancé, Wladimir Klitschko, has broken his silence following the sudden passing of the actress. Klitschko, a Ukrainian boxer and the father of their daughter Kaya, expressed deep sorrow over Panettiere’s tragic death at the age of 36.
In a heartfelt statement shared on his Instagram, Klitschko acknowledged the profound shock and grief their family is experiencing. He described Panettiere as an important part of his life and the mother of their daughter, emphasizing her talent and the impact she had despite their separation in 2018.
Panettiere and Klitschko welcomed their daughter, Kaya, in December 2014. Following their split, Panettiere entrusted full custody of Kaya to Klitschko due to her struggles with addiction and postpartum depression. Klitschko highlighted Panettiere’s accomplishments in the industry and requested privacy and respect for their family during this challenging time.
Panettiere was found unresponsive in an apartment in Greenville, S.C., before 2 p.m. on Sunday. Despite life-saving efforts, she was pronounced dead at the scene. While initial reports suggested a possible overdose, authorities have not determined the exact cause of her death, which remains under investigation. An autopsy revealed no signs of trauma, and there were no indications of foul play or suspicious circumstances.
The late actress, who would have turned 37 soon, had been candid about her personal struggles, including early fame, addiction, and postpartum depression in her recently released memoir, “This Is Me: A Reckoning.” Tributes for Panettiere continue to pour in from colleagues and friends, with co-stars expressing their sorrow over her untimely passing.
Before gaining recognition in prominent roles such as “Heroes” and “Nashville,” Panettiere began her acting career as a child star, featuring in films like “Remember the Titans” in 2000 alongside Denzel Washington.
