Wladimir Klitschko breaks silence on ex Hayden Panettiere's death
Former pro boxer Wladimir Klitschko has been left "deeply saddened" by the death of his ex, Hayden Panettiere, after the Heroes star passed away aged 36, admitting she was an "important part" of his life despite no longer being his partner.
Wladimir Klitschko has been left "deeply saddened" by the death of his ex, Hayden Panettiere, aged 36.
The 50-year-old former professional boxer broken his silence on the Heroes and Nashville star's passing, admitting Hayden - who gave him custody of their 11-year-old daughter Kaya - was still an "important part" of his 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."
Wladimir insisted he will "always" speak about Hayden "with respect" when discussing her with their daughter, and he will ensure the youngster remembers her mom.
He added: "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 (sic)"
Wladimir had a nine-year on-off relationship with Hayden, after they met in 2009.
Panettiere officially confirmed during a 2013 appearance on Live with Kelly and Michael that she and Klitschko were engaged.
However, the couple called off their wedding plans in August 2018 after a five-year engagement, and they split for good.
Hayden later gave up custody of Kaya to Wladimir in the same year.
In parenting outlet Mome, Hayden admitted it was a heart-breaking 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 actress detailed the pain she experienced living apart from her daughter.
