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

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

The Ukrainian WBA heavyweight boxer took to Instagram on Tuesday, August 18, with a somber tribute just two days after the actress' sudden death from a suspected overdose 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."

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.

"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.