Former heavyweight champion Wladimir Klitschko issued the following statement regarding the sudden death of his ex-fiance, the noted actress Hayden Panettiere: "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. 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. Rest easy, Hayden. May you find eternal peace. #WeLoveYouHayden.

 

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AUG. 17, 2026: Hayden Panettiere, the ex-fiancé of former heavyweight champion Wladimir Klitschko, has died at the age of 36. She was a successful actress in her own right. Panettiere's father, Skip, announced the actor's death in a statement provided to ABC News Sunday. No cause of death was announced, but it was well documented that Panettiere struggled with alcohol and depression. She and Klitschko had a daughter together in 2014, with Panettiere eventually choosing to give full custody of her daughter to Klitschko. Boxingtalk sends its condolences to the friends and family of Hayden Panettiere.