Hayden Panettiere’s Ex-Fiancé Wladimir Klitschko Files for Temporary Guardianship of Her Estate on Behalf of Their Daughter Kaya

Wladimir Klitschko Seeks Temporary Guardianship of Hayden Panettiere’s Estate for Their Daughter

In a significant move regarding the estate of the late actress Hayden Panettiere, her former partner Wladimir Klitschko has filed a petition to serve as temporary guardian of her estate on behalf of their daughter, Kaya. The filing, which occurred on 24 September, comes in light of ongoing investigations into Panettiere’s sudden death on 16 August, at the age of 36.

Panettiere, widely known for her roles in television and film, was discovered unresponsive at a home in Greenville, South Carolina. Emergency responders provided medical assistance; however, she was pronounced dead at the scene. The circumstances surrounding her passing have prompted an investigation, with reports indicating that the Drug Enforcement Agency (DEA) has been involved after a warrant was secured to search her residence in Los Angeles.

Klitschko, 50, emphasised the urgency of his petition, citing that Kaya, now 11 years old, is the sole heir to her mother’s estate. In court documents obtained by PEOPLE, he expressed his concern that valuable property belonging to Panettiere may be lost or damaged if a suitable representative is not installed promptly. Klitschko noted that allowing him to take on this responsibility would provide him the authority to initiate a probate petition for Hayden’s estate and nominate a suitable administrator.

The former professional heavyweight boxing champion further explained that prior to her untimely death, Panettiere had engaged a security service due to concerns over individuals gaining unauthorised access to her property. He claimed that locks were changed and valuables, including designer clothes, had been relocated in an effort to protect her belongings.

In his petition, Klitschko remarked, “The urgency directly and adversely affects Kaya,” stressing that without immediate action, the estate’s property could be at risk. He raised alarms regarding non-family members who he believed had previously had access to Panettiere and may have destroyed important emails or taken personal property, including jewellery, which is now supposedly unaccounted for.

Klitschko’s petition highlights the ongoing uncertainty surrounding the estate and the need for a framework to safeguard its assets while the investigations unfold. He argued that the preservation of personal property was crucial not only for the value it holds but also for Kaya’s connection to her late mother.

Furthermore, the former couple had a complex relationship; they dated for nearly a decade before splitting in 2018, with Klitschko being granted full custody of Kaya following their separation. In Panettiere’s memoir, “This Is Me: A Reckoning,” published in May 2026, she described the emotionally challenging decision to hand over custody to Klitschko, reflecting on a turbulent period in her life that involved struggles with addiction and mental health.

As the investigation continues, Klitschko is keen to ensure that any future administration of Panettiere’s estate is conducted with due diligence to avoid potential loss during this vulnerable time. Such concerns underscore the importance of legal representation to protect the interests of Kaya, who remains the sole beneficiary of her mother’s estate.

While the details surrounding Hayden Panettiere’s death are still unfolding, the court proceedings highlight the impact of tragedy on family dynamics, especially as Klitschko strives to navigate the legal complexities on behalf of their daughter. His petition, therefore, is not just about the management of an estate; it encapsulates a father’s endeavours to preserve his daughter’s legacy and familial heritage amid uncertainty.