Although their romantic relationship had ended years earlier, Klitschko emphasized that Panettiere remained an important part of his life as the mother of their daughter.
“Hayden was, although no longer my partner, an important part of my life and the mother of our daughter, Kaya.”
He also reflected on the actress’s career, describing her as enormously talented while acknowledging the pressures she experienced after growing up in the entertainment industry.
Klitschko promised that Kaya would continue to know and remember her mother with respect.
“To our daughter Kaya, I will always speak of her mother with respect and make sure she remembers the person she was.”
He concluded his tribute by asking for privacy and writing:
“Rest easy, Hayden. May you find eternal peace. #WeLoveYouHayden.”
Questions Remain About What Happened
Reports about the apartment where Panettiere died have added to the questions surrounding her final hours.
TMZ reported that Narcan, the brand name for naloxone, was found at the residence. Naloxone is commonly administered when an opioid overdose is suspected because it can rapidly reverse potentially fatal effects of opioids.
However, the reported presence of Narcan does not establish that Panettiere suffered an opioid overdose. It was also unclear from the reporting who may have received the medication. Until the coroner releases an official determination, claims about her cause of death remain unconfirmed.
Epinephrine was also reportedly used during the emergency response, which can be administered during resuscitation efforts involving cardiac arrest.
Panettiere Had Experienced Serious Mobility Problems
In the months before her death, Panettiere had publicly discussed frightening physical problems involving her lower back and legs.
She was photographed using crutches at Los Angeles International Airport in March and explained that she was dealing with pinched nerves in her lower back.
During a May interview with Women’s Health, Panettiere described suddenly experiencing pins and needles from her waist down and losing some movement in her foot and toes.
“I wasn’t able to bend my toes or lift my foot at all. No one was able to give me a solid answer.”
The uncertainty frightened her.
“It’s the scariest thing that’s ever happened to me physically, for sure.”
Friends also described significant back pain and difficulty moving her legs. Footage taken during Panettiere’s May promotional appearances subsequently attracted attention because she appeared to have difficulty walking.
None of these medical problems, however, has been officially connected to her death.
Her Relationship With Brian Hickerson Drew Renewed Attention
Panettiere’s relationship with Brian Hickerson also remained complicated during the final years of her life.
TMZ reported that the pair may have continued their romantic relationship privately even when the public believed they had separated. According to the report, their relationship was kept largely out of the spotlight while Panettiere promoted her memoir, This Is Me: A Reckoning.
Hickerson had previously faced criminal charges stemming from incidents involving Panettiere and pleaded no contest in 2021 to two felony counts related to injuring a spouse or girlfriend.
Just three days before Panettiere’s death, TMZ reported that a judge denied Hickerson’s request to have previous felony domestic-violence convictions reduced to misdemeanors and expunged.
There is currently no established evidence connecting that legal development to Panettiere’s death.
Her Daughter Kaya Remained at the Center of Her Life
Behind the headlines surrounding Panettiere’s personal struggles was one relationship she repeatedly described as enormously important: her bond with Kaya.
Panettiere and Klitschko welcomed Kaya on December 9, 2014.
After giving birth, Panettiere experienced postpartum depression, something she later said she had not understood well enough at the time.
“I wish I knew about postpartum depression. I wish I knew to look out for it.”
She later spoke openly about struggles involving alcohol and opioids. During this difficult period, Kaya began living primarily with Klitschko in Europe.
Panettiere strongly rejected the suggestion that she simply chose to abandon her daughter.
During a 2022 appearance on Red Table Talk, she described signing custody documents giving Klitschko full custody as devastating.
“It was like the most heartbreaking thing I’ve ever, ever had to do in my life.”
By 2026, she was still addressing what she considered one of the most painful misconceptions surrounding her life.
“I think there’s been a common… misconception that I just gave up my child. That could not be further from the truth.”
Why Kaya Continued Living With Her Father
Panettiere explained that once she became healthier, Kaya had already established a stable life in Europe.
Her daughter had friends, relatives, activities and an education there. Panettiere believed removing her from that environment simply because she wanted Kaya closer would have prioritized her own wishes over her daughter’s stability.
She described Kaya as multilingual, intelligent, athletic and passionate about horses. More importantly, she said their geographical separation had not prevented them from developing a close relationship.
“I have an incredible relationship with her.”
Panettiere said they regularly communicated through FaceTime and sometimes discussed surprisingly deep subjects.
She was also adamant that Kaya did not feel abandoned.
Panettiere and Klitschko had remained close after ending their romantic relationship, with the actress describing him as one of her best friends. She said they had also made an important agreement as parents: neither would criticize the other in front of Kaya.
Hayden’s Final Hope for Her Daughter
Panettiere’s memoir, This Is Me: A Reckoning, was released in May 2026 and explored some of the most painful chapters of her life, including childhood fame, addiction, relationships, the death of her younger brother Jansen, and motherhood.
When discussing the possibility that Kaya might eventually read the book, Panettiere expressed one particularly emotional hope.
“I don’t want her ever to read it and think any of it was her fault.”
Panettiere said she loved her daughter deeply and described herself as a “mother lion,” while acknowledging how devastating it had been to live apart from her.
Now, Klitschko’s first public tribute following Panettiere’s death brings that relationship full circle. Whatever questions remain about the actress’s final hours, his message makes one promise unmistakably clear: Kaya will grow up knowing that her mother remained an important and deeply loved part of her family’s story.