Wladimir Klitschko mourns ex-partner Hayden Panettiere’s sudden death
The former boxing champion expressed profound shock and grief as his family copes with the loss of the actress, mother of their son.
Wladimir Klitschko, the retired heavyweight champion, issued a brief statement on Sunday after news broke that his former partner, actress Hayden Panettiere, had passed away. The former “Heroes” star, who was 39, was found dead at her home, a development that left friends, family and fans stunned.
In a short message released through his representatives, Klitschko said his family was “in profound shock and grief” over the tragedy. He added that the loss was “deeply felt” by those close to him, emphasizing the personal impact beyond the public attention the couple received.
Panettiere and Klitschko share a five‑year‑old son, born in 2020. The child, who has been largely kept out of the spotlight, is now at the centre of a delicate situation as both parents navigate co‑parenting after their separation in 2022. While details about the circumstances surrounding the actress’s death remain limited, the focus has shifted to the well‑being of their son and the support network surrounding him.
The former champion, a four‑time world title holder who retired in 2017, has largely stayed out of the media since his divorce from Panettiere. His brief comment reflects a rare public acknowledgment of personal loss, underscoring the human side of a figure more often associated with his achievements in the ring.
Colleagues from both the sports and entertainment worlds have expressed condolences, highlighting Panettiere’s contributions to television and film, as well as Klitschko’s reputation as a respected athlete. As the family grieves, they have asked for privacy, a request that many media outlets have honored while continuing to cover the story’s developments.