Wladimir Klitschko, the former world heavyweight boxing champion, has paid tribute to his ex-partner, Hollywood actor Hayden Panettiere, following her death. In a social media post on Tuesday, he said their daughter, Kaya, will be raised to remember her mother's “immense talent” and “incredible career”.
Klitschko's tribute to Panettiere
“Our family is going through a time of profound shock and grief,” Klitschko wrote in the Instagram post, which featured a photograph of himself and Panettiere smiling at a beach, with Kaya – whose face is obscured – perched on her mother's shoulders.
“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.”
Remembering her career and struggles
The message also referenced the troubles that the Nashville and Heroes actor had experienced at a young age. “She built an incredible career through immense talent, while also facing the darker sides of a very demanding industry,” Klitschko wrote of Panettiere.
“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.”
Condolences and privacy request
Klitschko also sent his condolences to Panettiere's grieving parents, friends and fans. “Young and talented people like Hayden should not leave this world so soon,” he wrote. “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. Rest easy, Hayden. May you find eternal peace.”
Hayden Panettiere's death in Greenville, South Carolina, was reported on Sunday, with no cause given. The actor, who was 35, had struggled with postpartum depression and substance abuse. She and Klitschko met in 2009, became engaged in 2013, and their daughter Kaya was born in 2014. They split for good in 2018, with Klitschko raising Kaya since then.
