Wladimir Klitschko, the ex-fiance of the late actress Hayden Panettiere, has stated that he will pay her tax bill of approximately $30,000 to avoid penalties against her estate. Panettiere passed away at the age of 36 on August 16, 2026, in Greenville, South Carolina, due to the accidental effects of multiple drugs, including fentanyl. She is survived by her 11-year-old daughter, Kaya, whom she had during her relationship with Klitschko.
To safeguard Kaya's inheritance from Panettiere's reported $6 million estate, Klitschko filed a petition in Los Angeles to become the temporary guardian of Kaya's estate. In a filing dated October 1, Klitschko noted that Panettiere's 2025 state and federal income tax returns are due on extension on October 15, 2026, and that he intends to advance his own funds to cover the tax owed, seeking reimbursement once the probate estate is opened.
Klitschko expressed concern that if the tax returns are not filed promptly, the estate could incur unnecessary interest and penalties, which would financially affect Kaya, the sole heir. Additionally, Klitschko's filing included allegations that some of Panettiere's personal property, including jewelry, may have been sold to a pawn shop by someone previously connected to her. He has requested the authority to investigate the recovery of these items.
The petition emphasizes the urgency of appointing Klitschko as temporary guardian to ensure the protection of Kaya's inheritance and the management of Panettiere's estate. Klitschko noted that there is currently no personal representative to oversee the estate's interests and that security measures had been implemented at Panettiere's home due to unauthorized access.
Panettiere, known for her roles in 'Heroes' and 'Nashville,' had signed full custody of Kaya to Klitschko in 2018 amid her struggles with postpartum depression and addiction. Klitschko moved Kaya to Ukraine following their separation. The filing also highlights that certain items belonging to Panettiere are currently held by law enforcement as part of an ongoing investigation.
The documents filed by Klitschko stress the need for immediate action to prevent any loss or damage to Panettiere's estate before a personal representative can be appointed.