Hayden Panettiere’s ex Wladimir Klitschko says family in ‘profound shock and grief’
Klitschko's Tribute to Hayden Panettiere
Ninoda.com – The former heavyweight champion Wladimir Klitschko released a deeply personal statement after the death of Hayden Panettiere, the actress and singer who died at age 36 in Greenville, South Carolina, on Sunday. The boxer, who shares an 11-year-old daughter with the late performer, told the public that his family is in "profound shock and grief" over the loss.
Greenville County police confirmed there were no signs of foul play or suspicious circumstances. Dispatch audio released to the public indicated crews responded to a "cardiac arrest" and carried out resuscitation efforts after what appeared to be a possible "overdose." The county coroner's office stated that paramedics treated a woman in cardiac arrest and that an autopsy revealed no signs of trauma, though a definitive cause of death had not yet been confirmed.
What the Boxer Said
In his posted tribute, the former champion wrote that the announcement of her "tragic death saddens me deeply" and that she had "left this world far too soon." He acknowledged their shared history while making clear their partnership had ended years earlier.
"Hayden was, although no longer my partner, an important part of my life and the mother of our daughter, Kaya. 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."
Addressing their daughter directly, he pledged to always speak of her mother with respect and to ensure Kaya remembers who she was. He closed the statement by asking the public to respect the family's privacy and thanked those offering condolences, ending with the words: "Rest easy, Hayden. May you find eternal peace."
Their Relationship and Its Aftermath
The couple met at a Los Angeles party around 2009, when the actress was 19 and the boxer was 13 years her senior. They announced an engagement in 2013 and welcomed their daughter Kaya the following year, though they never married. After Kaya's birth, the mother was severely affected by postpartum depression and began drinking heavily. The boxer assisted in arranging treatment, but when their daughter turned three, he asked her to transfer custody. She agreed, though reluctantly, and later described the emotional toll of that arrangement in her autobiography, published earlier this year.
"Not being under the same roof with her every day has been the most gut-wrenching experience of my life… I grieve that I'm not the mother I thought I'd be, and definitely not the mother I want to be. Trust me, no one should ever have to raise a child on FaceTime."
She maintained an ongoing role in Kaya's life and noted that "despite it all, the bond I have with Kaya is incredibly strong."
Tributes and Career Legacy
Following the breaking of the news on Monday, fellow performers and fans flooded social media with condolences. Connie Britton, her co-star on the musical drama series Nashville, shared photographs of the two together on stage and wrote: "This was Hayden. Bursting with brilliance, shining so bright. I have no words for this sad song. Just heartbreak. I love you girl. Sleep easy now."
Masi Oka, who had worked alongside the late performer on the supernatural drama Heroes, called himself "absolutely heartbroken" and remembered her "beautiful spirit, immense talent, and the joyful energy she brought to everything she did." Before her breakthrough roles in those series, she had already established herself as a child performer in films including Remember the Titans and Raising Helen, building a career defined by extraordinary talent and the pressures of a demanding industry.
Frequently Asked Questions
Where did the death take place? Greenville, South Carolina. Local police and the county coroner's office confirmed the location and ruled out foul play.
What is the confirmed cause of death? As of the latest reporting, the coroner's office had not yet released a definitive cause. Initial dispatch information referenced a cardiac arrest and a possible overdose, while the autopsy noted no signs of trauma.
What is the daughter's name and age? Their daughter is named Kaya and is 11 years old. The former champion stated he will continue to ensure she remembers her mother.
Did the couple ever marry? No. They announced an engagement in 2013 but never wed. They separated after custody of Kaya was transferred to the father when the child was three.