The father of Hayden Panettiere’s daughter says the family is “going through a time of profound shock and grief” after the sudden death of the actress, aged 36.
Ukrainian former professional boxer Wladimir Klitschko shared a sweet photograph of himself and Panettiere with their daughter, Kaya, on her mother’s shoulders in a tribute posted on Instagram.
Wladimir Klitschko and Hayden Panettiere and their daughter Kaya, whose face has been concealed. Instagram/@klitschko
Panettiere gave full custody of the 11-year-old to her former fiance.
“The announcement of Hayden’s tragic death saddens me deeply. She left this world far too soon,” Klitschko wrote.
“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.”
Klitschko extended condolences to Panettiere’s parents, friends and fans and asked for his family’s privacy to be respected.
“Young and talented people like Hayden should not leave this world so soon,” he said.
“Rest easy, Hayden. May you find eternal peace.”
Tributes flow for beloved star
The star of the hit series Heroes and Nashville has been honoured by fans, co-stars and friends.
Panettiere rose to fame in the TV series Heroes, before landing roles in Nashville, Scream 4 and the Bring It On series. Getty
Hilary Duff was among the latest stars to honour “Sweet Hayden” on Instagram, remembering a friendship built on their mutual understanding of growing up in front of the world.
“We lost touch through the years but I will always remember you as so hardworking and effervescent, with that big, gorgeous smile,” Duff shared.
“I remember staying up late, chatting and gossiping, and connecting because we were part of such a small sliver of people who actually understood the strange lot in life we were navigating … so young, with no real idea of how to make sense of any of it.
“I so deeply wish this wasn’t the end for you. Sending a heart full of love to your family, the many people you impacted and everyone who loved you. Rest easy.”
Panettiere and Duff both grew up in the public eye. Getty
Paris Hilton reflected on a close friendship that dated back to the height of their 2000s fame.
“Heartbroken over the loss of my friend Hayden,” she wrote.
“She was such a beautiful soul – so talented, strong, kind and full of so much love and light. It’s impossible to believe she’s gone. I’ll always cherish our friendship, all the memories we shared, and the special moments we had together.
“My heart is with her family and everyone who loved her during this unimaginable time.
Hayden Panettiere and Paris Hilton at the Sony Studios in Culver City, California (Photo by Lester Cohen/WireImage) Getty
Meanwhile, Connie Britton, who starred alongside Panettiere in musical drama Nashville, shared a touching look at their time working together as she remembered her friend.
“This was Hayden. Bursting with brilliance, shining so bright,” Britton said, alongside photos from the set.
“I have no words for this sad song. Just heartbreak. I love you girl. Sleep easy now.”
Britton shared this memory with Panettiere and Reba McEntire. Instagram/@conniebritton
Britton also shared footage of Panettiere dancing backstage with the African Children’s Choir during a 2016 benefit concert.
“This angel!” she shared. “This was Hayden.”
On Instagram, Kelly Osbourne said she was “deeply saddened by the loss of someone who meant so much to me”.
“We understood each other in a way few truly can – recognising how difficult it is to grow up in the spotlight, and how isolating it can feel even when surrounded by so many people,” Osbourne wrote.
“My heart grieves for someone so special to this world and such a good friend to me. I will never forget you, Hayden, and I will always believe you deserved better.”
Connie Britton said there were “no words for this sad song” after her Nashville co-star’s death. Instagram/@conniebritton
Osborne’s sentiment was shared by Scream 4 actor Nico Tortorella, who said Panettiere “deserved so much more from all of us” in a Instagram Story.
“We grew up together in so many ways, fought like siblings, and somewhere along the way, you just became family,” he said.
“I know you were in so much pain. I hope wherever you are now, you’re surrounded by all the love and light you have to so many of us.”
Younger star Nico Tortorella shared a devastating tribute. Instagram/@nicotortorella
The Hunting Wives star Brittany Snow and Panettiere played sisters on ’90s TV series Guiding Light.
“I was lucky enough to play your sister for 3 years,” Snow wrote over a photo of the duo behind the scenes.
“I related to you so much in so many ways. Ways that I never even told you. Your talent was remarkable and so was your determination to be a bold, bright shining light. And you were.
“Always supportive, curious, funny and brave. You will always be remembered undoubtedly for your undeniable strength and spirit.”
Snow and Panettiere were on-screen sisters. Instagram/@brittanysnow
Bethany Joy Lenz, who also starred on Guiding Light, shared a lengthy tribute to Instagram, saying she was at a loss of what else to do.
“I dont understand how this is real. Everything seemed to be turning around. She was coming BACK to life, wasn’t she?” Lenz wrote.
“It’s too young and there’s still so much more life. And her daughter…. Hayden, you are surround by love. I’m sorry for every moment I didn’t reach out or check in. This can’t be real.”
Kim Cattrall, who played Panettiere’s mother in 2005 Disney film Ice Princess, shared a touching note to her late on-screen daughter.
“Rest in peace sweet Hayden. Gone far too soon,” she shared.
Fellow child star Alyson Stoner worked with Panettiere as voice actors in the Kingdom Hearts video game franchise.
They posted an emotional video reacting to the news.
“Sending so much love to Hayden’s family, and I’ll be thinking of Hayden and the legacy that she has left,” Stoner said through tears.
Viola Davis worked with Panettiere on 2016 film Custody, and remembered her as “an amazing talent”.
“An old, wise soul with such a deep heart. I wish the world had more time with you because I had a burning curiosity about who you were becoming,” she shared.
“I saw this beautiful Phoenix rising from the ashes. Your tests became your testimony, and your testimony became your legacy.”
“You will be remembered. Rest well,” Davis said. Getty
Cruel Intentions and Legally Blonde star Selma Blair, who was a close friend of Panettiere’s, left a comment on her final social media post from two weeks ago.
“I love you. Don’t be gone. Don’t be gone. Please. Please,” she wrote.
“I love you whale tail my friend,” she added.
“I’m dying. Please be here.”
While the pair never starred together in a project, they are said to have run in similar social circles in Los Angeles.
Scream star Emma Roberts took to Instagram to say “rest in peace my sweet friend”.
“You are so loved, and you will be forever missed,” she said.
Just a few months ago, Panettiere appeared on the Jay Shetty podcast for a wide-ranging discussion about growing up in the spotlight, battling addiction and postpartum depression.
In the comments section of an Instagram post by Variety announcing the news of Panettiere’s death, Shetty shared his shock.
“I can’t believe it. Our friendship had just begun and I was so moved by the conversation we shared earlier this year,” he wrote.
“My love and condolences to her family and fans.”
Her Scream co-star David Arquette also commented underneath the post, writing: “I love you Hayden.”
Arquette attended a horror convention with Panettiere in February.
Panettiere opened up on Jay Shetty’s podcast just months ago. Getty
Famed Leave (Get Out) singer Jojo also took to the social media platform to remember the star, writing on her Instagram story: “This is such devastating news. I am so sorry to hear of her passing. Oh my god.”
Scream co-star Melissa Barrera also took to Instagram with a tribute for Panettiere, writing “Rest in peace sweet Hayden.”
Panettiere publicly supported Barrera after she was axed from Scream 7 over social media posts relating to the Israel-Palestine conflict. Panettiere called her co-stars axing “very unfair and upsetting.”
The SAG-AFTRA Actors union also issues a statement, writing: “We join in mourning the sudden passing of Hayden Panettiere.”
“Starting as a child actor, Hayden’s long career in TV and film included memorable roles in ‘Heroes,’ ‘Nashville’ and more. Our hearts are with her daughter, family, friends and fans. May she RIP.”
Marvel actor Jeremy Renner wrote: “Bless you and your family.”
7th Heaven actress Beverley Mitchell paid tribute to Panettiere underneath the Nashville star’s last Instagram post.
“Praying the news is wrong! You are such a bright light and soooo loved,” she wrote.
Rosie O’Donnell shared a photo of the Bring it On star to her Instagram with the caption “Oh my god – heartbroken.”
News of Panettiere’s death was shared in a statement given to multiple US outlets by her father, Skip Panettiere.
“It is with profound sadness that we share the tragic passing of our beloved Hayden,” he said.
“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 former childhood star rose to fame in the 2000s. Getty
At the time of publishing, a cause of death has not been released.
Panettiere began her acting career at just four years old, becoming best known for her roles in Heroes and Nashville.
She had largely stepped back from the public eye, aside from a 2023 role in Scream VI, before releasing her memoir May 12, 2026.