Klitschko mourns Hayden Panettiere, family in 'profound shock'

Wladimir Klitschko has publicly mourned the death of his ex-partner, actress Hayden Panettiere, who died at age 36 on August 16 in Greenville, South Carolina. In an emotional Instagram tribute, Klitschko described the family as being in a time of "profound shock and grief," and promised their daughter Kaya that he will "always speak of her mother with respect" Source: BBC.

The tribute

Klitschko, a former heavyweight boxing champion, shared a family photo and wrote that Panettiere "left this world far too soon," calling her "an important part of my life and the mother of our daughter, Kaya." He acknowledged her "immense talent" while noting she faced "the darker sides of a very demanding industry" Source: Euronews. He also asked for privacy for the family during their mourning Source: LA Times.

The death

Panettiere was found unresponsive at an apartment complex in Greenville, South Carolina, and emergency responders attempted resuscitation before she was pronounced dead. Police reported no signs of foul play or suspicious circumstances, and an autopsy found no signs of trauma, though the official cause of death remains under investigation Source: BBC.

Reactions

Tributes have poured in from co-stars and peers, including Melissa Barrera, Selma Blair, and Beverley Mitchell, who expressed shock and grief Source: Euronews. Panettiere, known for roles in "Heroes" and "Nashville," had been open about her struggles with addiction and mental health, and had relinquished full custody of Kaya to Klitschko in 2018 Source: LA Times.