WLADIMIR KLITSCHKO SPEAKS AFTER HAYDEN PANETTIERE DEATH

Wladimir Klitschko has issued a statement following the death of Hayden Panettiere, his former partner, vowing to "always speak of her with respect" to their daughter Kaya. Panettiere, who appeared in television series Heroes and Nashville as well as the Scream film franchise, died aged 36 earlier this week. The pair met at a mutual friend's book launch party and began dating shortly after. Klitschko is a former heavyweight boxing champion.

Panettiere and Klitschko dated on and off between 2011 and 2018, announcing their engagement in October 2013. Their daughter Kaya was born in 2014. The couple separated in 2018 but maintained a friendly relationship, with Klitschko granted full custody of their daughter. According to one account, Panettiere had spoken recently on a podcast about her relationship with Klitschko, describing him as one of the few people who knew her well and stating the pair remained best friends despite their separation.

Klitschko's statement emphasises his commitment to speaking positively of Panettiere to their daughter. The boxer's public response comes days after Panettiere's death was announced. The exact circumstances and cause of her death have not been detailed in available reports.