The ex-fiancé of Hayden Panettiere, Wladimir Klitschko, said his family is "going through a time of profound shock and grief" in the wake of the act
The ex-fiancé of Hayden Panettiere, Wladimir Klitschko, said his family is "going through a time of profound shock and grief" in the wake of the actress' death.
Klitschko, who is the father of Panettiere's 11-year-old daughter, released a statement on social media Tuesday, Aug. 18, after the former “Heroes” star died in Greenville, South Carolina.
“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,” Klitschko said, in part.
In his statement, Klitschko extended condolences to Panettiere's parents, friends and fans and asked the public to respect the family's feelings and privacy.
"To our daughter Kaya, I will always speak of her mother with respect and make sure she remembers the person she was," he added.
Panettiere died at age 36 after first responders found her in cardiac arrest at an apartment along Easley Bridge Road on Sunday, Aug. 16, according to the coroner's office. Despite efforts to resuscitate her, she was pronounced dead at 2:32 p.m.
Panettiere became widely known for her roles as Claire Bennet in "Heroes" and Juliette Barnes in "Nashville." Some of her other credits include "Ice Princess," "Racing Stripes" and "Scream 4."
Read Klitschko's statement below:
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
