Hayden Panettiere’s former fiancé, Wladimir Klitschko, offered an emotional tribute on what would have been the late actress’ 37th birthday.
“Today is Hayden’s birthday. Instead of celebrating the way we had planned, today we celebrate her life, her spirit, and the love she brought into this world,” Klitschko, 50, wrote via Instagram on Friday, August 21. “I want to thank all of Hayden’s fans, friends and everyone who has reached out for the incredible outpouring of love and support.”
He continued, “At a time filled with so much sadness, your kindness has reminded me that there is still so much good in humanity. If you’re reading this, I ask just one thing: even if only for a moment, think about LOVE. Reach out to a friend. Forgive someone. Be kind. Love is a superpower. Use it.”
Klitschko also shared a note for Panettiere, writing, “Happy Birthday, Hayden. ❤️ You are loved, you are missed and you will never be forgotten.”
Panettiere died on Sunday, August 16, less than one week ahead of her birthday. She was 36.
“It is with profound sadness that we share the tragic passing of our beloved Hayden,” her father, Skip Panettiere, told Us in a statement shared via a spokesperson. “She was an incredible light and a force of nature who brought immeasurable love and joy to all who knew her — and to the millions who watched her onscreen. We ask for privacy as our family takes time to process this unimaginable loss.”
In addition to her father, the Heroes alum is survived by her mother, Lesley Vogel, and her 11-year-old daughter, Kaya, whom she shared with Klitschko. (Skip and Vogel were also parents of son Jansen, who died in 2023 at the age of 28 following an undiagnosed heart condition.)
Hayden and Klitschko were together on and off from 2011 to 2013, when the retired boxer proposed. The former couple welcomed Kaya in December 2014, four years before the pair called it quits in 2018.
Klitschko broke his silence on Hayden’s death on Tuesday, August 18, promising to honor her memory for their daughter’ sake.
“Our family is going through a time of profound shock and grief. The announcement of Hayden’s tragic death saddens me deeply,” he wrote in a social media statement. “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 concluded, “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.”
Hayden’s cause of death has yet to be determined.
