Hayden Panettiere: Ex Wladimir Klitschko says family is in 'profound shock and grief'

Wladimir Klitschko has issued a statement following the death of actress Hayden Panettiere in Greenville, South Carolina. The former heavyweight boxing champion and father to Panettiere’s 11-year-old daughter expressed that his family is in a state of deep shock and grief. He described Panettiere as a talented individual who navigated the pressures of the entertainment industry while maintaining her role as a dedicated mother to their daughter, Kaya. Local authorities report that there are no signs of foul play or suspicious circumstances surrounding the death of the 36-year-old actress.

Panettiere, who rose to prominence through her roles in Heroes and Nashville, had spoken openly in recent years regarding her challenges with substance abuse and the personal strain of her professional career. Reports from local emergency services indicate that medical crews responded to a cardiac arrest incident. The Greenville County Coroner's Office confirmed that an autopsy showed no physical trauma, though an official cause of death remains under investigation by local officials.

The industry reaction to the news highlights the high regard in which her colleagues held her acting abilities and personal spirit. Connie Britton, her co-star from Nashville, described the late actress as someone bursting with brilliance. Masi Oka, who worked with Panettiere during her time on Heroes, remembered her as a talented individual who displayed maturity beyond her years. Other former co-stars, including Beth Chamberlin, recalled her disciplined work ethic as a child actor in earlier roles.

Klitschko noted that while he and Panettiere were no longer partners, he remains committed to ensuring their daughter remembers her mother with respect. He requested privacy for his family as they process this loss. Panettiere began her career as a child performer, appearing in films like Remember the Titans, and continued working in the industry through 2025. Her public life was defined by both her professional accomplishments and her public struggles with mental health and addiction, which she documented in a recent autobiography.