Wladimir Klitschko Mourns Hayden Panettiere as Investigation Into Her Death Continues

Wladimir Klitschko has spoken publicly about the reported death of his former fiancée, actress Hayden Panettiere, describing the loss as a devastating shock for their family.

In an emotional statement shared on Instagram Tuesday, the Ukrainian boxing champion said Panettiere remained an important part of his life even after their relationship ended. The couple share a daughter, Kaya, who was born in 2014.

“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.”

Klitschko also reflected on Panettiere’s career and the challenges she faced during her life. He praised her talent and said she had built an “incredible career” while dealing with the pressures of the entertainment industry.

“Hayden was, although no longer my partner, an important part of my life and the mother of our daughter, Kaya,” he wrote.

Klitschko said he would make sure their daughter remembers her mother with respect and that he would continue speaking about Panettiere with Kaya.

“Nothing will erase the times we shared or the place she had in our lives,” he said. “To our daughter Kaya, I will always speak of her mother with respect and make sure she remembers the person she was.”

Panettiere and Klitschko first met in 2008 and began dating the following year. Their relationship continued on and off for several years. They became engaged before eventually separating in 2018.

According to the account provided, Kaya has primarily lived with Klitschko since 2018, during a period when Panettiere was dealing with depression and substance-use problems.

Panettiere was reportedly found unresponsive and in cardiac arrest on Sunday at a residence in Greenville, South Carolina. Reports said she was staying at the property with her on-and-off boyfriend, Brian Hickerson.

A 911 call reportedly raised the possibility of an overdose. However, authorities have not publicly established that an overdose caused her death.

Greenville authorities said emergency medical personnel attempted to revive the actress using advanced cardiac life-support measures. Their efforts were unsuccessful, and she was pronounced dead 41 minutes later.

An autopsy was completed Monday. According to the report, officials found no signs of trauma that appeared to have contributed to her death.

The coroner said the cause and manner of death remain pending while investigators await additional studies. The investigation is ongoing.

Klitschko asked the public to respect his family's privacy as they mourn.

“I extend my deepest condolences to Hayden’s parents, her friends, and her fans, who are also grieving today,” he wrote. “Young and talented people like Hayden should not leave this world so soon.”

He ended his message by thanking those who had offered support and condolences to his family.

“For now, this is all I wish to say,” Klitschko wrote. “Rest easy, Hayden. May you find eternal peace. #WeLoveYouHayden.”