Wladimir Klitschko issues emotional tribute to mother of his child Hayden Panettiere on her birthday

Hayden Panettiere's former partner and father to her child has shared another moving tribute to her on what would've been her 37th birthday.

Panettiere died aged 36 on Sunday (16 August), with an investigation into her death still underway.

Initial reports suggest that she had suffered a cardiac arrest, with paramedics declaring her dead at the scene at a property in South Carolina.

A report has now revealed that Panettiere's on-and-off boyfriend Brian Hickerson was also in the property at the time of her death, although it is claimed that he was asleep when she went into cardiac arrest, and it was actually his brother Zach who first discovered the American actress unresponsive.

Panettiere was declared dead at 2.32pm on Sunday 16 August and while her cause of death is still yet to be confirmed in an upcoming toxicology report, it is thought that an overdose could have led to her sudden cardiac arrest.

Following her tragic death last week, former fiancé and father of their daughter Kaya, retired world champion boxer Klitschko, paid tribute to her.

He remembered her 'incredible career' as he described her as an 'important part of my life and the mother of our daughter, Kaya.'

The award-winning actress, who starred in the likes of Scream and Heroes revealed all in her recently released memoir about struggling with alcoholism, post-partum depression and giving up custody of her daughter, that she shared with Klitschko and who lived with him in Ukraine.

Following their break-up, the couple then co-parented, but Panettiere began struggling with post-partum depression, which ultimately led to her giving up custody of Kaya.

In a new emotional post on Friday (21 August), on what would've been her birthday, the pro boxer shared another moving tribute to her thanking all those who had reached out with words of support.

He said she would 'never be forgotten' in a post on X, which read: "Today is Hayden’s birthday. Instead of celebrating the way we had planned, today we celebrate her life, her spirit, and the love she brought into this world.

"I want to thank all of Hayden’s fans, friends, and everyone who has reached out for the incredible outpouring of love and support.

"At a time filled with so much sadness, your kindness has reminded me that there is still so much good in humanity.

"If you’re reading this, I ask just one thing: even if only for a moment, think about LOVE. Reach out to a friend. Forgive someone. Be kind. Love is a superpower. Use it.

"Happy Birthday, Hayden. You are loved, you are missed, and you will never be forgotten."

Stars share tributes to Hayden Panettiere

Viola Davis

Davis, who starred alongside Panettiere in the likes of The Architect (2006) and Custody (2016), penned: “What an amazing talent you were....so gifted. Julius and I loved working with you....an old, wise soul with such a deep heart. I wish the world had more time with you because I had a burning curiosity about who you were becoming.

“I saw this beautiful Phoenix rising from the ashes. Your tests became your testimony, and your testimony became your legacy. You will be remembered. Rest well, Hayden.

“Sending healing prayers to your family, your daughter, and all who loved you. May they always speak your name....”

Solange Knowles

Panettiere's Bring it On co-star wrote: "Rest in peace hayden. In peace, because you are so deserving of it

"We had so many parallels in our lives, and the world watched us so courageously live in your radical truth telling your story, we watched your endless quest for vulnerability, and healing.

"I salute your journey and i honor the work we created together that became something that really means something to people…reaching people we couldn’t have ever imagined at the time, as two young girls, trying to keep looking to the light.

"The light surrounds you now. Rest easy hayden."

Bethany Joy Lenz

In an emotional tribute, Panettiere’s Guiding Light co-star Joy Lenz wrote: “There is nothing that posting pictures on the internet can do. I avoid it usually in moments like this. But Im here with my head in my hands and I don’t know what else to do in aside from praying for her soul, which I have done and will continue.”

Admitting she's 'crushed', the actress continued: “I knew the wild little blonde. Was she nine? Ten? I was eighteen. She ran through the Screen Gem studio hallways at 222 E44th St. laughing and playing games in between Guiding Light blocking and camera rehearsals. Long, unruly curls trailing behind her. She knew her lines and everyone else’s. Her intelligence was astonishing. She understood scenes and nuance and human struggle like no child I’d ever seen on camera. And she’d sit with you for a great conversation, then giggle and go play.

“We’d connect on and off over the years, like the cousin in the family reunion who got famous and life moved her away—but I always felt such joy seeing her when we were lucky enough to cross paths. We’d make a pact to talk soon. Lunch. Dinner. Somewhere we could curl up into a corner—but we never quite made it happen. I mostly stayed up to date through mutual friends.

“I dont understand how this is real. Everything seemed to be turning around. She was coming BACK to life, wasn’t she? It’s too young and there’s still so much more life. And her daughter…. Hayden, you are surround by love. I’m sorry for every moment I didn’t reach out or check in. This can’t be real.”

Joy Lenz concluded: “These are moments of how I knew you, in glimpses over 26 years. I don’t know how to process this. I am praying for you to know the peace of God now and always.”

Selma Blair

Commenting underneath Panettiere’s final Instagram post, Blair said: “I love you. Don't be gone. Please.”

Emma Roberts

Paying tribute to her Scream 4 (2011) co-star, Roberts penned: “Rest in peace my sweet friend. you are so loved and you will be forever missed.”

Kim Cattrall

“Rest in peace sweet Hayden,” Cattrall, who starred as Panettiere’s onscreen mum in Ice Princess (2005), shared. “Gone far too soon.”

Masi Oka

In a heartfelt message to his Heroes co-star, Oka wrote on X: “Absolutely heartbroken to hear about Hayden. I had the privilege of working closely with her, and I’ll always remember her for her beautiful spirit, immense talent, and the joyful energy she brought to everything she did and the people around her. She was way wiser beyond her years and now gone too soon…

“My heart goes out to her family and everyone who loved her. Rest in peace, Hayden.”

Jenna Ortega

Taking to her Instagram Story, Ortega - who worked with Panettiere on Scream VI (2023) - said: “This is such a devastating loss. Rest well.”

Melissa Barrera

Fellow Scream VI star Barrera also paid tribute, saying: “Rest in peace sweet Hayden,” along with a broken heart emoji.

Jay Shetty

Shetty, who welcomed Panettiere on his On Purpose podcast just months ago, commented: “I can’t believe it. Our friendship had just begun and I was so moved by the conversation we shared earlier this year.

"My love and condolences to her family and fans.”