Wladimir Klitschko, the former fiancé of actress Hayden Panettiere, has shared his profound shock and grief following her unexpected death at the age of 36.
Panettiere and Klitschko share an 11-year-old daughter, Kaya, who primarily lives in Europe with her father. Klitschko stated that Panettiere was an important part of his life and the mother of their child. He acknowledged her significant career, built through immense talent, despite facing challenges within a demanding industry.
"Nothing will erase the times we shared or the place she had in our lives," Klitschko wrote. He publicly committed to ensuring their daughter remembers her mother positively, saying, "To our daughter Kaya, I will always speak of her mother with respect and make sure she remembers the person she was."
Klitschko extended his deepest condolences to Panettiere's parents, friends, and fans. He expressed sorrow that "young and talented people like Hayden should not leave this world so soon" and requested privacy for his family during this difficult time.
Panettiere and Klitschko's relationship began in 2009, with periods of dating, engagement, and separation. They welcomed Kaya in 2014 and ended their engagement in 2018.
According to a report from the Greenville County Coroner’s Office, Panettiere was found unresponsive in cardiac arrest in Greenville, South Carolina, on Sunday. Emergency personnel initiated resuscitation efforts, but they were unsuccessful. An autopsy was performed, and while no signs of trauma were discovered, the cause and manner of death are pending further investigation and additional studies.