Wladimir Klitschko, the ex-fiancé of actress Hayden Panettiere, has filed a petition for temporary guardianship of their daughter Kaya's estate. This legal action comes after concerns regarding the protection of Kaya's inheritance following Panettiere's death on August 16, 2026, at the age of 36, due to the toxic effects of multiple drugs, including fentanyl. Klitschko, 50, and Panettiere, who was a US citizen, had a daughter, Kaya, now 11, during their nine-year relationship. In 2018, Panettiere signed full custody of Kaya to Klitschko amid her struggles with postpartum depression and addiction, subsequently moving Kaya to Ukraine.
The petition, filed in Los Angeles, aims to ensure that Klitschko can manage and safeguard Kaya's inheritance from Panettiere's estimated $6 million estate. The documents state that although Kaya is not a resident of California, the court has jurisdiction due to her status as an heir. Klitschko noted that there is currently no personal representative to protect Panettiere’s estate.
The filing also mentions that prior to Panettiere's death, security measures were increased at her residence due to unauthorized access by an unknown individual. Klitschko claims that some of Panettiere's personal property, including jewelry, has gone missing, with some items currently held by law enforcement as part of the ongoing investigation into her death.
Klitschko's petition emphasizes the urgency of appointing him as Temporary Guardian to allow him to file for Hayden's probate petition and nominate an administrator for her estate. He expressed concern that without immediate action, property belonging to Panettiere's estate may be lost or damaged.
Panettiere's cause of death was confirmed by the Greenville County Coroner's Office, stating it was accidental due to the toxic effects of various substances. The investigation into her death is still ongoing. Klitschko and Panettiere met in 2009, became engaged in 2013, and had a daughter in December of that year. They had a tumultuous relationship, with their final split occurring in 2018, although they maintained amicable terms thereafter.