Hayden Panettiere's ex Wladimir Klitschko says family in 'profound shock and grief'

Wladimir Klitschko, the renowned former heavyweight boxing champion and ex-partner of the late American actress Hayden Panettiere, has publicly stated that their shared family is experiencing "profound shock and grief" in the wake of her passing. Panettiere, who achieved widespread recognition for her roles as Claire Bennet in the NBC science fiction drama "Heroes" (2006-2010) and Juliette Barnes in the ABC/CMT musical drama "Nashville" (2012-2018), died on Sunday. The couple, who were together for several years, share a daughter, Kaya Evdokia Klitschko, born in December 2014.

Klitschko, a Ukrainian sporting icon, enjoyed a distinguished career in professional boxing, holding multiple world heavyweight championship titles simultaneously. These included the World Boxing Association (WBA) (Super), International Boxing Federation (IBF), World Boxing Organization (WBO), and International Boxing Organization (IBO) belts. His formidable reign as champion spanned over a decade, and he officially retired from the sport in August 2017, concluding a career that lasted more than two decades and cemented his legacy as one of the greatest heavyweights of his era.

Panettiere, an American actress and singer, began her acting career in the late 1990s, with early notable roles in the film "Remember the Titans" (2000) and the television series "Ally McBeal" (1998-2002). Her portrayal of Claire Bennet in "Heroes" propelled her to international fame. Beyond her acting, Panettiere had previously been vocal about her personal struggles, including postpartum depression and addiction, for which she sought treatment and became an advocate for mental health awareness.

The news of Panettiere's death has elicited a significant outpouring of tributes from fans, colleagues, and public figures across the entertainment industry, underscoring the impact of her presence in popular culture. The specific cause of her death has not yet been publicly disclosed. Klitschko's statement, conveyed through his representatives, emphasizes the deep sorrow felt by those closest to the actress. The immediate focus for both Klitschko and Panettiere's family is on supporting their daughter, Kaya, during this incredibly difficult period. Klitschko has also been a prominent figure in humanitarian efforts, particularly in his native Ukraine, especially since the full-scale Russian invasion in February 2022. The loss of Panettiere at a relatively young age has been met with widespread sadness, serving as a poignant reminder of life's fragility.