Hayden Panettiere’s ex Wladimir Klitschko says he will pay late star’s $30,000 tax bill to protect estate for daughter Kaya
Wladimir Klitschko, a boxer and ex-fiancé of the late actress Hayden Panettiere, says he will pay the $30,000 tax bill owed by her estate to protect their 11-year-old daughter Kaya's inheritance. Panettiere died on 16 August aged 36 from the accidental toxic effects of multiple drugs including fentanyl. By advancing the funds himself and seeking reimbursement through probate, Klitschko aims to prevent penalties and interest charges that would diminish Kaya's inheritance from the estimated $6 million estate.
Court filings show that Panettiere's 2025 federal and state tax returns are due on 15 October 2026. The documents also reveal concerns about missing personal property, including jewellery, allegedly sold to a pawn shop by someone previously connected to the actress. Klitschko is seeking appointment as guardian of Kaya's estate with authority to involve law enforcement in recovery efforts. He had gained full custody of Kaya in 2018 when Panettiere was battling postpartum depression and addiction, and moved their daughter to Ukraine.
- Boxer Wladimir Klitschko to pay actress Hayden Panettiere's $30,000 tax bill to protect daughter's inheritance
- Panettiere died in August from accidental overdose; daughter Kaya sole heir to $6m estate
- Court filings reveal missing jewellery possibly sold to pawn shop and concerns about asset protection
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Hayden Panettiere was an American actress best known for starring in the television drama Heroes. She died on 16 August aged 36 from accidental drug poisoning involving fentanyl and other substances. She leaves behind an estate valued at approximately $6 million.
Wladimir Klitschko is a retired Ukrainian heavyweight boxing champion. He was in a long-term relationship with Panettiere and the pair have an eleven-year-old daughter named Kaya. Klitschko has held full custody of Kaya since 2018, when Panettiere was dealing with postpartum depression and addiction.
The estate faces unpaid federal and state tax bills due in October 2026. Any penalties and interest charges on unpaid taxes would reduce the amount of the estate that passes to Kaya as her inheritance.