Former heavyweight boxing champion Wladimir Klitschko, the father of Hayden Panettiere’s daughter, has shared a heartfelt statement on the actress’ sudden death. Panettiere was found dead in her home on Sunday afternoon at just 36 years old.
Panettiere and Klitschko’s daughter, Kaya Evdokia Klitschko, was born in December 2014.
She has been living overseas with Klitschko since Panettiere renounced custody in 2018 to focus on her recovery from addiction and postpartum depression.
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In the statement, Klitschko said, “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.”
BOXING: Klitschko vs Peter
Sep 11, 2010; Frankfurt, GERMANY; Television and movie actress Hayden Panettiere in attendance during the boxing match between Wladimir Klitschko and Samuel Peter at Commerzbank-Arena. Mandatory Credit: Frank Peters/Witters Sport via USA TODAY Sports Credit: IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect (Reuters)
Klitschko then addressed their daughter, and continued to speak highly of Panettiere, while asking for privacy for his family as they deal with the grief.
“To our daughter Kaya, I will always speak of her mother with respect and make sure she remembers the person she was. I extend my deepest condolences to Hayden’s parents, her friends, and her fans, who are also grieving today,” he said. “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.
“Rest easy, Hayden. May you find eternal peace.”
Our deepest condolences go out to Panettiere’s family and friends during this incredibly difficult and tragic time.
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