Wladimir Klitschko, the former world heavyweight boxing champion, has expressed ‘profound shock and grief’ following the death of Hayden Panettiere, his ex-partner and the mother of their 11-year-old daughter, Kaya.

Emotional Tribute to ‘Talented’ Actress

Panettiere, who was 36, died in Greenville, South Carolina, on Sunday. Police reported there were ‘no signs of foul play or suspicious circumstances’ at the time of her death.

Her death was linked to years of substance abuse, according to audio from police dispatchers and crews who responded to a ‘cardiac arrest’ and detailed their efforts to resuscitate her after a possible ‘overdose.’

The Greenville County Coroner’s Office confirmed crews treated a woman in ‘cardiac arrest’ and found ‘no signs of trauma,’ though the cause of death has not been officially confirmed.

In a heartfelt post, Klitschko said the ‘tragic death’ of Panettiere ‘saddens me deeply.’ He added that ‘she built an incredible career through immense talent, while also facing the darker sides of a very demanding industry.’

Complex Relationship and Custody Struggles

Hayden and Klitschko met in around 2009 and announced their engagement in 2013. Their daughter was born the following year, but the couple never married.

Klitschko said he would always speak of Panettiere with ‘respect’ and make sure their daughter remembers ‘the person she was.’ He also extended his condolences to her parents, friends, and fans, who were ‘also grieving today.’

Panettiere had struggled with postpartum depression and heavy drinking after the birth of Kaya. Klitschko helped her seek treatment but asked her to sign over custody when their daughter was three. In her autobiography, published earlier this year, Panettiere described the experience as ‘the most gut-wrenching’ of her life.

Despite the separation, she wrote that the bond with her daughter was ‘incredibly strong.’ Klitschko and Panettiere remained involved in their daughter’s life and maintained a connection.

Industry Tributes and Personal Struggles

Panettiere’s death has prompted an outpouring of tributes from her colleagues and friends. Connie Britton, her co-star in the musical drama TV show ‘Nashville,’ shared photos of them together on Instagram, describing Panettiere as ‘bursting with brilliance, shining so bright.’

Masi Oka, who worked with her in the supernatural drama ‘Heroes,’ expressed being ‘absolutely heartbroken.’ He praised her ‘beautiful spirit’ and ‘immense talent,’ adding that she was ‘way wiser beyond her years and now gone too soon.’

Panettiere began her acting career as a child star in films such as ‘Remember the Titans’ and ‘Raising Helen.’ Beth Chamberlin, who played her on-screen mother in the soap opera ‘Guiding Light,’ described her as ‘the most brilliant child actor I’ve ever seen,’ noting her ability to memorize and perform complex scenes flawlessly.

Panettiere’s final big-screen appearance was in the movie ‘Sleepwalker,’ which was released earlier this year. Her co-star, Justin Chatwin, shared how she seemed ‘struggling’ during the shoot and noted her ‘loneliness’ in the industry.

‘I’ve been sober for 15 years, so I know this world of addiction, and Hollywood – it takes, and it takes from youth,’ Chatwin told People. ‘I could tell she was struggling, and I was like, ‘I don’t think it’s this movie.’

Klitschko closed his tribute by asking for privacy for the family during this difficult time and thanked those who supported them. ‘Rest easy, Hayden. May you find eternal peace,’ he said.