Hayden and Wladimir share 11-year-old daughter Kaya.
Hayden Panettiere’s ex-fiance has broken his silence on the news of the Nashville star’s death on Sunday, August 16. Asking for people to respect the family’s privacy during this time, he admits that they have been left in “shock and grief”.
On Monday, August 17, Hayden’s representative confirmed that the actress was found dead at the age of 36. Described as an “incredible light” by her father Skip, the police have announced that there was “no foul play” in her sudden passing.
Following the devastating news, Hayden’s ex-fiance Wladimir Klitschko has taken to social media to pay tribute to the mother of his daughter Kaya, 11. The former boxer was given full custody of their child in 2018 while Hayden was battling with substance addiction.
Sharing an old picture of the family of three on Instagram, Wladimir wrote in the caption this morning (August 18): “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. Hayden was, although no longer my partner, an important part of my life and the mother of our daughter, Kaya.
“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 continued: “To our daughter Kaya, I will always speak of her mother with respect and make sure she remembers the person she was.
“I extend my deepest condolences to Hayden’s parents, her friends, and her fans, who are also grieving today. 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.”
The 50-year-old finished off by writing: “Rest easy, Hayden. May you find eternal peace. #WeLoveYouHayden”
During her pregnancy with Kaya in 2014, Panettiere suffered from a severe haemorrhage after undergoing seven blood transfusions and surgery to repair failing blood vessels.
After the traumatic experience, Hayden shared that she fell into postnatal depression and remembered feeling “nothing” for her daughter. She sadly then turned to alcohol to cope.
However, while Kaya was in the care of her father, Hayden was able to build a strong relationship with her daughter over time.
In an interview, she said: “I love my daughter, and I’m so proud of the young woman she is becoming. I talk to her all the time, and I feel so connected to her. She’s like a mini-me.”
Since the news of Panettiere’s passing, many friends and fans have flooded her last social media post with tributes expressing their sadness for her family and remembering her legacy.
