Wladimir Klitschko Pays Emotional Tribute to Late Hayden Panettiere

Former world heavyweight boxing champion Wladimir Klitschko has paid an emotional tribute to his former partner, actress Hayden Panettiere, following her death at the age of 36.

Klitschko, who shares an 11-year-old daughter, Kaya, with the Heroes and Nashville star, said Panettiere had left the world “far too soon” and described the family's loss as a period of profound shock and grief.

Panettiere died on Sunday in Greenville, South Carolina. Authorities said there were no signs of foul play, while an autopsy found no evidence of trauma. The cause of death has not yet been confirmed.

Klitschko remembers Panettiere's talent

In a statement shared on social media, Klitschko reflected on Panettiere's career and their years together.

He described her as an important part of his life and emphasised her role as the mother of their daughter.

Klitschko also acknowledged the difficulties Panettiere faced during her life and career, saying she had experienced the darker side of a demanding entertainment industry.

He pledged to ensure that Kaya remembers her mother with respect and asked the public to give the family privacy as they mourn.

The couple began dating around 2009 and became engaged in 2013. Their daughter was born the following year, although they never married.

A strong bond with their daughter

Panettiere had spoken openly about the challenges she experienced following Kaya's birth, including postpartum depression and struggles with alcohol.

Klitschko helped her seek treatment, and the couple later agreed that their daughter would live primarily with him.

In her autobiography, published earlier this year, Panettiere described the pain of not living under the same roof as Kaya but stressed that their relationship remained strong.

She continued to be involved in her daughter's life and frequently spoke about her love for Kaya.

Tributes from Hollywood

Tributes have poured in from Panettiere's former colleagues and friends following news of her death.

Connie Britton, her Nashville co-star, remembered her as a performer who was “bursting with brilliance,” while Masi Oka, who worked with her on Heroes, described himself as heartbroken and praised her spirit and talent.

Other stars, including Viola Davis and Selma Blair, have also paid tribute to the actress.

Panettiere began her career as a child performer before gaining international recognition as cheerleader Claire Bennet in Heroes. She later starred as Juliette Barnes in Nashville, where she also showcased her singing abilities.

She returned to acting in recent years, including a role in Scream VI.

Cause of death remains unconfirmed

Panettiere's death remains under investigation.

Police said she was found unresponsive in Greenville, and emergency responders attempted lifesaving measures before she was pronounced dead.

Authorities have said there were no suspicious circumstances or indications of foul play, while the coroner's examination found no signs of trauma. The official cause of death has yet to be established.

Panettiere had publicly discussed her struggles with addiction and mental health, including in her recently published memoir. Her death has prompted renewed tributes to an actress whose career began in childhood and continued across television, film and music.