Hayden Panettiere's Ex Wladimir Klitschko Speaks Out After Her Death

Aug 18, 2026 - 13:15

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Hayden Panettiere's Ex Wladimir Klitschko Speaks Out After Her Death

Selma Blair, Viola Davis and More Pay Tribute to Hayden Panettiere After Her Death

Wladimir Klitschko is fondly reflecting on Hayden Panettiere.

After the Heroes star’s Aug. 16 death at the age of 36, her ex-fiancé—with whom she shared 11-year-old daughter Kaya—spoke out.

"Our family is going through a time of profound shock and grief," he captioned a photo with Hayden and Kaya on Instagram Aug. 18. "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," Klitschko continued. "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."

Klitschko went on to make a promise. "To our daughter Kaya, I will always speak of her mother with respect and make sure she remembers the person she was," he wrote. "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."

The 50-year-old concluded his message by asking for privacy during this tragic time.

"Thank you to everyone who is supporting my family and expressing their sincere condolences," he added. "Rest easy, Hayden. May you find eternal peace."

Over the years, Panettiere detailed her special bond with Kaya, recently sharing that the tween had expressed interest in following in her acting footsteps. For the Nashville alum, who began acting at 11 months old, growing up onscreen has shaped her hopes for Kaya’s path.

“I always want to support whatever she wants to do but I am trying to guide her toward, ‘Let’s not rush into anything,’” Panettiere told E! News in May. “She still has the ability to fly under the radar and once you give that up you don’t get it back. Once you’re out there and you’re famous and known, there is no getting your privacy back.”

And she knows that from experience, going through highs and lows in the public eye. For instance, Panettiere signed over custody of Kaya to the boxer—with whom she split in 2018—while she was in and out of rehab to address her personal struggles with postpartum depression and addiction between 2015 and 2020. It’s a decision she has since emphasized was for her daughter’s best interest.

After all, the Remember the Titans child star explained that she always put Kaya first, even as she almost lost her life following an emergency C-section while giving birth.

Franziska Krug/Getty Images

“I knew I was knocking on death’s doorstep,” Panettiere recalled, “and I had just the most motherly moment where I said, ‘God, please just let me hear my daughter cry. I just want to know she’s OK. If it’s my time to go, I’m OK with that. I’m ready.’ I wasn’t afraid at all.”

Since giving birth in 2014, the actress found being Kaya’s mom to be her favorite role.

“I have a beautiful, healthy little girl,” she explained. “I am in a beautiful place. I have a blessed life and all I want is to be happy.”

And Panettiere had a similarly positive sentiment for Wlad, with whom she remained strong co-parents with in the years following their breakup.

“He's the father of my daughter,” she shared. “I want him to be Superman in her eyes, and he's an amazing human being. So, I have nothing negative to say.”

For a look back at Panettiere’s life in photos, keep reading…

Photo by Ann Limongello/Disney General Entertainment Content via Getty Images

1994

Photo by Margaret Norton/NBCU Photo Bank/NBCUniversal via Getty Images via Getty Images

1996

Photo by Ron Galella/Ron Galella Collection via Getty Images

1998

Photo by Jean-Paul Aussenard/WireImage

2001

Photo by Evan Agostini/Getty Images

2003

Photo by Evan Agostini/Getty Images