Wladimir Klitschko releases emotional statement after death of Hayden Panettiere

Wladimir Klitschko releases emotional statement after death of former fiancé Hayden Panettiere aged just 36

Former world champion and Hall of Famer Wladimir Klitschko has paid tribute to former partner Hayden Panettiere.

The 36-year-old actress' shock death was announced on Monday, August 17, by her devastated family.

No cause of death was given, with police saying that they were 'no signs of foul play' after they responded to a 911 call on Sunday in Greenville, South Carolina.

Born August 21, 1989, in New York, Hayden Lesley Panettiere and Klitschko met in 2009 and started dating. They became engaged in October 2013 and had a daughter, Kaya, together in December 2014.

She was seen ringside for many of his fights, including his loss to Tyson Fury, when the Ukrainian held multiple world titles between 2000 and 2015.

Although they split years later, they both co-parented Kaya together.

In a statement on Instagram, the 50-year-old said: "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."

When Kaya was young, Klitschko asked her mother to sign over custody, telling Panettiere he was worried for her when with her, amid struggles with postpartum depression and addiction.

She eventually agreed to the request, admitting it was necessary, but remained involved in her daughter's life.

Hayden wrote in her book, "Not being under the same roof with her every day has been the most gut-wrenching experience of my life, and it's hard to describe the layers of emotion, including sadness, resentment, and anger I felt because of it.

"I grieve that I'm not the mother I thought I'd be, and definitely not the mother I want to be. Trust me, no one should ever have to raise a child on FaceTime."

Panettiere family statement

The actress, who has been on screen since the age of four, played roles in the popular TV shows Heroes and Nashville.

As a child star, she had other memorable roles including in the films Remember the Titans and Raising Helen.

Her father, Skip, stated: "It is with profound sadness that we share the tragic passing of our beloved Hayden.

"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."