Hayden Panettiere’s Ex-Fiancé Shares Heartfelt Birthday Tribute & One Request
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Hayden Panettiere’s ex-fiancé and the father of her daughter, Kaya, paid tribute to her on what would have been her 37th birthday.
Hayden Panettiere Passed Away On Sunday, August 16
Authorities were called to a Greenville, South Carolina-area apartment on Sunday, (August 16), where they found the actress unresponsive. CPR was administered, but she was pronounced dead at the scene.
An overdose is suspected, and reports indicate that the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) is now involved in the investigation into her death alongside the Greenville Police Department and the Greenville County Coroner’s Office.
Hayden’s father, Alan “Skip” Panetierre confirmed her passing on Sunday (August 16) afternoon in a statement via her representative:
“It is with profound sadness that we share the tragic passing of our beloved Hayden. 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.”
Her ex-boyfriend, Brian Hickerson, and his brother Zach Hickerson, were both in the apartment. Brian broke his silence on her death on Thursday (August 20) through his lawyer. He said, “Hayden’s death remains under investigation, and it is important to allow that investigation to proceed. As has been publicly reported, police confirmed there were no signs of foul play. Out of respect for Hayden’s loved ones and the ongoing investigation, there will be no further comment at this time.”
If you or someone you know is struggling with mental health or substance issues, or just needs someone to talk to, please text “TALK” to the crisis hotline at 741-741. The hotline is free and confidential.
Tributes For Hayden Came Pouring In
Hayden’s passing was such a shock to her family, friends, colleagues, and fans. Tributes began immediately pouring in for the actress, who started working on screen when she was just a child.
Her co-stars from her projects, including Remember The Titans, Ice Princess, Heroes, Nashville, Scream, and many more took to social media to pay tribute to her.
Collectively, she was remembered as a talented, bubbly, welcoming person who had so much love for everyone she encountered, and so much more life to live.
RELATED: CELEBRITIES HONOR HAYDEN PANETTIERE AFTER HER PASSING
Most notably, her former fiancé, Wladimir Klitschko, who is the father of her only child, 11-year-old Kaya, mourned Hayden’s death in a heartbreaking Instagram post.
The couple began dating in 2009 and had an on-and-off relationship for nine years, welcoming Kaya in 2014. They ended things for good in 2018.
Hayden gave Wlad, a former world champion boxer from Ukraine, full custody of Kaya when she was struggling with postpartum depression and addiction. Kaya and Wlad live together in Europe, where they have lots and family and friends supporting them.
In his tribute, which included a sweet photo of the family of three together with Kaya’s face covered, he wrote, “Our family is going through a time of profound shock and grief. The announcement of Hayden’s tragic death saddens me deeply. She left this world far too soon. Hayden was, although no longer my partner, an important part of my life and the mother of our daughter, Kaya.”
He ended the tribute with an emotional vow to his daughter:
“To our daughter Kaya, I will always speak of her mother with respect and make sure she remembers the person she was.”
See his tribute below.
Wlad Paid Tribute To Hayden Once Again On Her Birthday
Hayden would have turned 37 on August 21st, just five days after she passed away. Many of her friends took to social media once again to honor her on her birthday.
Wlad once again paid tribute to her, writing, “Today is Hayden’s birthday. Instead of celebrating the way we had planned, today we celebrate her life, her spirit, and the love she brought into this world.”
He continued, “I want to thank all of Hayden’s fans, friends, and everyone who has reached out for the incredible outpouring of love and support. At a time filled with so much sadness, your kindness has reminded me that there is still so much good in humanity.”
He included a beautiful photo of her alongside one request he has for everyone:
“If you’re reading this, I ask just one thing: even if only for a moment, think about LOVE. Reach out to a friend. Forgive someone. Be kind. Love is a superpower. Use it.”
See his tribute below.
