Hayden Panettiere, beloved for her roles as Claire Bennet in Heroes and Juliette Barnes in Nashville, has passed away, leaving her family heartbroken. Her representative confirmed Sunday, August 16. “It is with profound sadness that we share the tragic passing of our beloved Hayden,” her representative said in a statement to ABC News.
“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,” the statement continued.
Further details surrounding Panettiere’s death have not been revealed yet. As the world grapples with the shocking news, here’s what is known about the family she leaves behind.
Who Is Hayden Panettiere’s Daughter, Kaya?
Panettiere is survived by her 11-year-old daughter, Kaya Evdokia Klitschko, whom she shared with former partner Wladimir Klitschko, the Ukrainian former heavyweight boxing champion. Panettiere and Klitschko began dating in 2009. After briefly splitting in 2011, they reunited and became engaged in 2013, according to People. Kaya was born in December 2014 in Hawaii.
GettyThe couple eventually separated in 2018. That same year, Panettiere made what she described as an “incredibly difficult” decision to give Klitschko full custody of their daughter. At the same time, she focused on treatment for postpartum depression and substance abuse, as per Forbes.
Despite living apart, Panettiere spoke openly about the close relationship she maintained with Kaya.
“She has more love than anybody I’ve ever met,” Panettiere told People of her daughter in July 2022, explaining that the two made an effort to see each other whenever possible.
Who Are Hayden Panettiere’s Parents?
Panettiere is also survived by her parents, Lesley Vogel and Skip Panettiere. The actress grew up alongside her younger brother, Jansen, in New York before finding fame at a young age.
Her mother supported her early acting career, which began when Panettiere was still a child.
Hayden Panettiere Endured the Loss of Her Brother Jansen
Panettiere’s death comes more than three years after her family suffered another devastating loss.
Her younger brother, Jansen Panettiere, died unexpectedly in February 2023 at just 28, as per NBC News. His family later revealed that his death was caused by cardiomegaly, or an enlarged heart, combined with aortic valve complications, as per the outlet.
GettyHayden later spoke candidly about how profoundly losing her only sibling affected her. She told the outlet that she felt as though she’d “lost half of my soul.” She also reflected on the guilt she carried as Jansen’s older sister, saying, “You’re just riddled with guilt that you didn’t do your job.”
