Former heavyweight boxing champion Wladimir Klitschko has paid tribute to his former partner Hayden Panettiere on social media on what would have been her 37th birthday.
The American actress, known for her role in the television series Heroes, died on August 16 in Greenville, South Carolina.
Writing on the social media platform X on Friday, Klitschko noted that it was her birthday and said that instead of celebrating as they had planned, they were commemorating her life, her spirit and the love she brought into the world.
He added that in a time filled with sadness, her kindness had reminded him there was still much good in humanity. He asked anyone reading his message to take a moment to think of love, reach out to a friend, forgive someone and be kind.
Calling love a superpower, he wished Panettiere a happy birthday and said she was loved, missed and would never be forgotten.
Relationship and custody
Klitschko and Panettiere met in 2009. After separating in 2011, they became engaged in 2013 and welcomed their daughter, Kaya, the following year.
The couple separated again in 2018. Klitschko received sole custody of Kaya as Panettiere experienced postpartum depression and various addictions. They had reportedly remained on good terms since their split.
Following the announcement of her death, Klitschko released a statement on August 18 saying that although they were no longer partners, she remained an important part of his life.
Klitschko held the world heavyweight boxing championship twice, from 2000 to 2003 and from 2006 to 2015. He is the brother of Vitali Klitschko, another former boxer who became the mayor of Kyiv in 2014. The brothers have been involved together in the defense of Ukraine against the Russian military.
Investigation into death
Panettiere was found dead in an apartment in Greenville. Emergency services responded to a call for a cardiac arrest, which was possibly related to an overdose, but they were unable to revive her.
An autopsy conducted earlier in the week ruled out foul play, but the exact cause of her death remains under investigation.
