Hayden Panettiere’s ex-fiancé Wladimir Klitschko shares heartbreaking plea to fans on her birthday following her death
Wladimir Klitschko has shared a poignant message on what would have been his ex-fiancée Hayden Panettiere’s 37th birthday.
The Nashville actress died in Greenville, South Carolina, on Sunday (16 August), aged just 36, with a cause of death yet to be announced.
Emergency services responded to a 911 call made by her on-and-off ex-boyfriend Brian Hickerson and his brother, who reported that the star was ‘unresponsive’ and in ‘cardiac arrest’.
She tragically left behind her 11-year-old daughter Kaya, whom she shared with her ex-fiancé, Ukrainian boxer Klitschko.
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On Friday (21 August), Klitschko shared a photo of Panettiere alongside a lengthy caption, urging people to ‘be kind’ as he wished the late star an emotional happy birthday.
He wrote: “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.
“I want to thank all of Hayden’s fans, friends, and everyone who has reached out for the incredible outpouring of love and support. At a time filled with so much sadness, your kindness has reminded me that there is still so much good in humanity.”
The boxer urged: “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. Happy Birthday, Hayden. You are loved, you are missed, and you will never be forgotten.”
Panettiere and Klitschko began dating in 2009 and split in 2011, before rekindling in 2013 and getting engaged, but never married - they parted for good in August 2018, and the actress gave up custody of her daughter amid her struggles with postpartum depression and addiction, with the sportsman instead raising her in Ukraine.
It comes after Klitschko initially paid tribute on Tuesday (18 August), sharing a photo to Instagram of the former couple with Kaya.
The sportsman wrote that their family is ‘going through a time of profound shock and grief’ and that ‘nothing will erase the times we shared or the place she had in our lives’.
He continued: “To our daughter Kaya, I will always speak of her mother with respect and make sure she remembers the person she was.”
An investigation is ongoing into Panettiere’s death, although police have confirmed there were not ‘any signs of foul play or suspicious circumstances’.
Greenville Police Department said officers responded to a report of an unresponsive female at 13:51 local time (18:51 BST) on Sunday.
They told the BBC: “Upon arrival, medical assistance was administered; however, the individual, later identified as Hayden Panettiere, was pronounced deceased at the scene.
“The preliminary investigation has not indicated any signs of foul play or suspicious circumstances. An acquaintance of Ms. Panettiere placed the 911 call.”
Panettiere’s death was announced by her father Skip, who said in a statement: “It is with profound sadness that we share the tragic passing of our beloved Hayden.
“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.”
Stars share tributes to Hayden Panettiere
Viola Davis
Davis, who starred alongside Panettiere in the likes of The Architect (2006) and Custody (2016), penned: “What an amazing talent you were....so gifted. Julius and I loved working with you....an old, wise soul with such a deep heart. I wish the world had more time with you because I had a burning curiosity about who you were becoming.
“I saw this beautiful Phoenix rising from the ashes. Your tests became your testimony, and your testimony became your legacy. You will be remembered. Rest well, Hayden.
“Sending healing prayers to your family, your daughter, and all who loved you. May they always speak your name....”
Solange Knowles
Panettiere's Bring it On co-star wrote: "Rest in peace hayden. In peace, because you are so deserving of it
"We had so many parallels in our lives, and the world watched us so courageously live in your radical truth telling your story, we watched your endless quest for vulnerability, and healing.
"I salute your journey and i honor the work we created together that became something that really means something to people…reaching people we couldn’t have ever imagined at the time, as two young girls, trying to keep looking to the light.
"The light surrounds you now. Rest easy hayden."
Bethany Joy Lenz
In an emotional tribute, Panettiere’s Guiding Light co-star Joy Lenz wrote: “There is nothing that posting pictures on the internet can do. I avoid it usually in moments like this. But Im here with my head in my hands and I don’t know what else to do in aside from praying for her soul, which I have done and will continue.”
Admitting she's 'crushed', the actress continued: “I knew the wild little blonde. Was she nine? Ten? I was eighteen. She ran through the Screen Gem studio hallways at 222 E44th St. laughing and playing games in between Guiding Light blocking and camera rehearsals. Long, unruly curls trailing behind her. She knew her lines and everyone else’s. Her intelligence was astonishing. She understood scenes and nuance and human struggle like no child I’d ever seen on camera. And she’d sit with you for a great conversation, then giggle and go play.
“We’d connect on and off over the years, like the cousin in the family reunion who got famous and life moved her away—but I always felt such joy seeing her when we were lucky enough to cross paths. We’d make a pact to talk soon. Lunch. Dinner. Somewhere we could curl up into a corner—but we never quite made it happen. I mostly stayed up to date through mutual friends.
“I dont understand how this is real. Everything seemed to be turning around. She was coming BACK to life, wasn’t she? It’s too young and there’s still so much more life. And her daughter…. Hayden, you are surround by love. I’m sorry for every moment I didn’t reach out or check in. This can’t be real.”
Joy Lenz concluded: “These are moments of how I knew you, in glimpses over 26 years. I don’t know how to process this. I am praying for you to know the peace of God now and always.”
Selma Blair
Commenting underneath Panettiere’s final Instagram post, Blair said: “I love you. Don't be gone. Please.”
Emma Roberts
Paying tribute to her Scream 4 (2011) co-star, Roberts penned: “Rest in peace my sweet friend. you are so loved and you will be forever missed.”
Kim Cattrall
“Rest in peace sweet Hayden,” Cattrall, who starred as Panettiere’s onscreen mum in Ice Princess (2005), shared. “Gone far too soon.”
Masi Oka
In a heartfelt message to his Heroes co-star, Oka wrote on X: “Absolutely heartbroken to hear about Hayden. I had the privilege of working closely with her, and I’ll always remember her for her beautiful spirit, immense talent, and the joyful energy she brought to everything she did and the people around her. She was way wiser beyond her years and now gone too soon…
“My heart goes out to her family and everyone who loved her. Rest in peace, Hayden.”
Jenna Ortega
Taking to her Instagram Story, Ortega - who worked with Panettiere on Scream VI (2023) - said: “This is such a devastating loss. Rest well.”
Melissa Barrera
Fellow Scream VI star Barrera also paid tribute, saying: “Rest in peace sweet Hayden,” along with a broken heart emoji.
Jay Shetty
Shetty, who welcomed Panettiere on his On Purpose podcast just months ago, commented: “I can’t believe it. Our friendship had just begun and I was so moved by the conversation we shared earlier this year.
"My love and condolences to her family and fans.”
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Madison Burgess