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Hayden Panettiere's Ex Wladimir Klitschko Vows to Honor Actress' Memory for Daughter Kaya After Her Death: 'Nothing Will Replace the Times We Shared'

Composite photo of Hayden Panettiere and Wladimir Klitschko.
Source: @klitschko

Hayden Panettiere transferred custody of her daughter, Kaya, to Wladimir Klitschko in 2018.

Aug. 18 2026, Updated 11:02 a.m. ET

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Hayden Panettiere's former partner Wladimir Klitschko is mourning the loss of his daughter Kaya's mom.

The Ukrainian WBA heavyweight boxer took to social media on Tuesday, August 18, with a somber tribute just two days after the actress' sudden death from a suspected overdose at age 36 on Sunday, August 16.

"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," Klitschko expressed in a lengthy Instagram post. "Hayden was, although no longer my partner, an important part of my life and the mother of our daughter, Kaya."

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'Nothing Will Erase the Times We Shared'

Image of Hayden Panettiere and Wladimir Klitschko welcomed their daughter, Kaya, in December 2014.
Source: HAYDEN PANETTIERE/X

Hayden Panettiere and Wladimir Klitschko welcomed their daughter, Kaya, in December 2014.

Panettiere had transferred custody of her daughter, now 11, to Klitschko in 2018 after realizing she was in a bad place and wanting to protect her child. At the time, the Heroes star and Klitschko called off their plans to marry — 5 years after confirming their engagement during an appearance on Live With Kelly and Michael in 2013.

Klitschko's message, which was shared alongside a photo of Kaya and her parents, continued: "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 went on, vowing to keep Panettiere's memory alive for their child.

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'May You Find Eternal Peace'

Image of Hayden Panettiere gave up custody of her daughter, Kaya, in 2018.
Source: HAYDEN PANETTIERE/X

Hayden Panettiere gave up custody of her daughter, Kaya, in 2018.

"To our daughter Kaya, I will always speak of her mother with respect and make sure she remembers the person she was," Klitschko promised. "I extend my deepest condolences to Hayden’s parents, her friends, and her fans, who are also grieving today."

He added: "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," Klitschko concluded.

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Narcan Found at Scene of Hayden Panettiere's Death

Image of Hayden Panettiere died of a suspected 'overdose.'
Source: MEGA; NARCAN.COM

Hayden Panettiere died of a suspected 'overdose.'

Panettiere devastatingly died on Sunday after a 911 call was made by a friend reporting someone in "cardiac arrest" at a South Carolina loft apartment — where Narcan was reportedly found at the scene.

In emergency dispatch audio obtained by OK!, officers could be heard mentioning a suspected "overdose."

Autopsy Confirms 'No Signs of Trauma'

Image of 'No signs of trauma were discovered that would have contributed to the death,' an autopsy confirmed.
Source: MEGA

'No signs of trauma were discovered that would have contributed to the death,' an autopsy confirmed.

Despite attempts to administer CPR and resuscitate Panettiere, she was pronounced dead at 2:32 p.m. She was never transferred to a hospital, and Greenville County Coroner’s Office confirmed on Monday, August 17, that an autopsy had been completed.

“An autopsy was completed today. At autopsy no signs of trauma were discovered that would have contributed to the death,” Coroner Mike Ellis said in a statement. “The cause and manner of death remain pending further investigation and the completion of additional studies. This investigation remains active and ongoing. No further details are available for release at this time.”

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