Wladimir Klitschko, the former heavyweight world champion boxer, has posted a tribute to Hayden Panettiere after the death of the actress.
Klitschko and Panettiere had a daughter together and once were engaged, and the retired Ukranian boxer issued a statement on his social media accounts..
“Our family is going through a time of profound shock and grief,” Klitschko wrote on his social media accounts. “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.”
The post is accompanied by an undated photo of a Klitschko and Panettiere smiling and their daughter sitting atop Panettiere’s shoulders. Kaya’s face is covered.
Now 11, Kaya was born in 2014. Panettiere talked openly about her struggles with postpartum depression and the strain it put on her relationship with Klitschko.
“She built an incredible career through immense talent, while also facing the darker sides of a very demanding industry,” Klitschko wrote. “Nothing will erase the times we shared or the place she had in our lives.”To our daughter Kaya, I will always speak of her mother with respect and make sure she remembers the person she was.”
Klitschko has had full custody of Kaya since 2018, according to People magazine. The couple’s romantic relationship appeared to end in 2018 and Panettiere had said she remained deeply connected to their daughter.
Panettiere and Klitschko met at a book launch party in 2009 before their romance began.
On Sunday Aug. 16 In Greenville, South Carolina, officers and emergency medical personnel responded to the apartment complex at 701 Easley Bridge Road at approximately 1:51 p.m. after an acquaintance of Panettiere called 911, Greenville Police Sgt. Jonathan Bragg told USA TODAY in a statement.
“Upon arrival, medical assistance was administered; however, the individual, later identified as Hayden Panettiere, was pronounced deceased at the scene,” Bragg said.
Panettiere was was 36.
“I extend my deepest condolences to Hayden’s parents, her friends, and her fans, who are also grieving today,” Klitschko, 50, wrote. “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.”
Contributing: Sameen Chaudry