The Greenville Police Department in South Carolina released a statement providing further information on the tragic death of Hayden Panettiere, who passed away at the age of 36.
According to local authorities, as reported by NBC News, police and EMS personnel responded to a call about an unresponsive woman at approximately 1:50 p.m. on Sunday, August 16.
Upon their arrival, medical assistance was provided, but sadly, the individual, later identified as Hayden Panettiere, was declared deceased at the scene.
The case is being investigated by the Greenville Police Department in collaboration with the Greenville County Coroner’s Office. Initial investigations have shown no indications of foul play or suspicious circumstances. It was noted that a friend of Ms. Panettiere made the 911 call.
Panettiere’s representative confirmed the Heroes actress’s passing to Us on Sunday.
“It is with profound sadness that we announce the tragic passing of our dear Hayden. She was a remarkable light and a force of nature who brought immense joy and love to everyone who knew her — and to the millions who watched her onscreen,” expressed her father, Skip Panettiere, in a statement.
Hayden is survived by her 11-year-old daughter, Kaya, whom she shares with Wladimir Klitschko, a former professional boxer.
In an exclusive interview with Us in May, Hayden discussed her challenging decision to relinquish custody of Kaya to Klitschko, 50, due to her struggle with postpartum depression and addiction.
Before her untimely death at age 36, Hayden Panettiere was a proud mother. The Heroes and Nashville star welcomed her daughter Kaya in 2014 with then-fiancé Wladimir Klitschko, a former professional boxer. (The couple parted ways in 2018.) Earlier this year, Panettiere opened up about her difficult decision to give up custody of […]
Reflecting on the situation, she described it as a “living nightmare” where she felt powerless. “There was nothing I could do about it. Part of me wanted to fight, but I had to prioritize how it would affect my daughter. Sometimes that means making the hardest decisions for their sake,” she shared.
“Wlad is an incredible father, and I know he was doing what he felt was best for our daughter,” Hayden added. “Living on different continents made our arrangement even more challenging. Despite my feelings, it was crucial to always put her first.”
The actress admitted that signing over custody to Klitschko was “one of the worst days of my life and always will be.”
Nonetheless, the Nashville star mentioned that she now has “an incredible relationship with both of them.”
“I’m so grateful for Wlad. We’re very close and have shared a deep friendship and relationship since I met him at 19,” she explained regarding her ex.
Regarding Kaya, she remarked, “She’s otherworldly, so kind and fierce, and surrounded by good people. It’s incredible to watch her thrive in areas I struggled with growing up. She’s the best thing, all the best parts of me and Wlad.”
