Wladimir Klitschko issues emotional tribute to Hayden Panettiere and makes promise to daughter Kaya

Wladimir Klitschko has expressed his 'profound shock' at the death of his ex-partner, Hayden Panettiere.

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

Taking to Instagram, her former fiancé and father of their daughter, retired world champion boxer Klitschko, paid tribute to her. He wrote: "Our family is going through a time of profound shock and grief.

"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.

"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."

He also made a promise to their daughter, 11-year-old Kaya, about the legacy of her mother.

"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.

"I ask everyone to please respect our family’s feelings and privacy during this incredibly difficult time. For now, this is all I wish to say.

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

Panettiere tragically died aged 36 on Sunday (16 August), her representatives and local police confirmed.

No official cause of death has yet been given, but Greenville Police in South Carolina said there were 'no signs of foul play' after they responded to a 911 call saying Panettiere was 'unresponsive'.

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.

Panettiere entered into a relationship with Klitschko after the pair met at a book launch party in 2009, but due to the distance between the two, they split up before rekindling their spark two years later.

They announced their engagement in October 2013, with Panettiere welcoming their daughter in December 2014.

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, who moved to Ukraine full-time with Klitschko.

Panettiere first entered treatment when Kaya was four months old and was diagnosed with postpartum depression, later using alcohol and opioids.

Speaking on Jay Shetty’s On Purpose podcast just weeks ago, Panettiere said she was initially against the idea when her ex-partner suggested it.

“That was incredibly difficult. The fact that my child wasn’t going to be with me all day every day was just ... you can’t put words to it,” she said.

However, she changed her mind after realising how stressful it was for the youngster to travel back and forth between the US and Ukraine, where she was living with her father, and seeing what a ‘beautiful life’ she had out there.

Despite living apart for years, Panettiere said that her bond with Kaya remained 'incredibly strong' in her memoir. In it, she wrote: “Not being under the same roof with her every day has been the most gut-wrenching experience of my life.

"It’s hard to describe the layers of emotion - including sadness, resentment, and anger - I’ve felt because of it.

“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), and although I miss Kaya so much my heart aches, I know how blessed I am to be her mom."

Fellow 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....”

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 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.”