Wladimir Klitschko has paid tribute to actor Hayden Panettiere after her death. Photo / Getty Images
Wladimir Klitschko has paid tribute to actor Hayden Panettiere after her death. Photo / Getty Images
Wladimir Klitschko has been left “deeply saddened” by the death of his ex, Hayden Panettiere, aged 36.
The 50-year-old former professional boxer has broken his silence on the Heroes and Nashville star’s death, admitting Panettiere, who gave him custody of their 11-year-old daughter Kaya, was still an “important part” ofhis life, despite no longer being his partner.
In a statement on Instagram, he wrote: “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.”
Klitschko said he will “always” speak about Panettiere “with respect” when discussing her with their daughter, and he will ensure the youngster remembers her mum.
“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.
Wladimir Klitschko says Hayden Panettiere remained an important part of his life. Photo / Getty Images
“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.
However, the couple called off their wedding plans in August 2018 after a five-year engagement and they split for good.
Panettiere later gave up custody of Kaya to Klitschko in the same year.
In parenting outlet Mome, Panettiere said it was a heartbreaking decision.
Speaking in July, she said: “It wasn’t a decision I made lightly, nor was it a decision I even wanted to make.
“I was going through a really challenging time in my life... I knew I needed to be able to put her first so that I could get the help I needed and be the mum she needed me to be.”
What’s more, in her memoir, This Is Me: A Reckoning, which was released in May, the actor detailed the pain she experienced living apart from her daughter.
