Following the death of actress Hayden Panettiere at age 36, attention has turned to the family she leaves behind, including her 11-year-old daughter, Kaya Evdokia Klitschko.
Hayden shared Kaya with her former fiancé, Ukrainian boxing champion Wladimir Klitschko. A representative for the actress confirmed her death, while a cause was not immediately disclosed, according to the Associated Press.
Wladimir had not publicly addressed Hayden’s death at the time of publication. Here is what to know about the athlete, his relationship with Hayden and the life they built for their daughter.
Wladimir Klitschko Is a Former Heavyweight Champion
Wladimir, 50, is considered one of the most successful heavyweight boxers of his generation.
Born in Kazakhstan and raised in Ukraine, he won a gold medal for Ukraine in the super-heavyweight division at the 1996 Olympic Games in Atlanta. He subsequently built a dominant professional career and held multiple heavyweight titles, including championships recognized by the WBA, IBF and WBO.
Wladimir retired from boxing in 2017 after a career that included 64 professional victories. He was inducted into the International Boxing Hall of Fame as part of its 2021 class.
His older brother, Vitali Klitschko, is also a former heavyweight champion and has served as the mayor of Kyiv. Both brothers have become prominent advocates for Ukraine.
How Wladimir Met Hayden
Wladimir and Hayden reportedly met at a party in 2009. Their significant height difference quickly attracted attention, with the boxer standing 6 feet, 6 inches tall and Hayden measuring approximately 5 feet tall.
The pair dated before separating in 2011. They later reconciled and confirmed their engagement in 2013.
Hayden and Wladimir welcomed Kaya in December 2014. Although they never married, they remained engaged for several years before ending their romantic relationship in 2018.
Their Daughter Has Lived With Wladimir
Kaya has primarily lived with her father in Europe since 2018. Hayden previously explained that she agreed to the arrangement while receiving treatment for mental health and substance use struggles.
The actress strongly rejected suggestions that she had abandoned her daughter, calling that characterization heartbreaking and untrue. Hayden said Wladimir believed living in Europe offered Kaya stability while she focused on becoming healthy.
By the time Hayden completed treatment, Kaya had established a happy life overseas, surrounded by friends and family. Hayden said she did not believe it would be fair to remove her from that environment.
According to the actress, Kaya speaks five languages and has developed a love for horses.
Hayden Praised Their Co-Parenting Relationship
Despite their breakup, Hayden spoke warmly about Wladimir and the relationship they maintained as parents.
In May 2026, according to Parents, she said she had an “incredible relationship” with both Wladimir and Kaya. She traveled to visit their daughter and stayed connected through frequent FaceTime conversations.
“She knows that she’s got two parents that love her,” Hayden said, according to People.
The “Nashville” star added that Kaya understood both of her parents would do anything to protect her physical, emotional, and spiritual well-being.
As Wladimir and Kaya face an unimaginable loss, the family has not publicly shared further details about how they are grieving.
