Wladimir Klitschko has filed for temporary guardianship of his daughter Kaya’s estate, seeking to protect her inheritance following the death of actress Hayden Panettiere.
The former boxer’s petition was filed in Los Angeles last week. Kaya, 11, is understood to be the sole beneficiary of Panettiere’s reported $6 million estate.
Klitschko’s filing says Kaya is a US citizen who lives abroad with her father and argues that a California court has jurisdiction because she is entitled to the assets passing through Panettiere’s probate estate.
The documents state that the application would allow Klitschko to “receive, manage and hold, on Kaya’s behalf, the assets to which Kaya is entitled from Hayden’s probate estate”.
He also says there is currently no personal representative in place to safeguard the estate. The petition describes it as “urgent and essential” that he be appointed temporary guardian so he can begin probate proceedings and nominate an administrator.
The filing raises concerns about Panettiere’s property, alleging that an unidentified individual had gained unauthorised access to her home before her death. Locks were changed and storage units containing designer clothes and accessories used at public appearances were moved as a precaution.
Klitschko further alleges that jewellery and other personal possessions have disappeared or remain unaccounted for. Some items are said to be in the custody of law enforcement as part of the ongoing investigation into Panettiere’s death.
The petition claims federal agents accessed the property and removed belongings. It says an administrator is needed to locate missing assets and liaise with law enforcement.
“Without an immediate appointment for these purposes, there is a high probability that property belonging to Hayden’s Estate may be lost, damaged or dissipated before a duly appointed personal representative can be in place to protect it,” the documents state.
Panettiere died aged 36 on August 16 at a residence in Greenville, South Carolina. The Greenville County Coroner’s Office said her death was caused by the toxic effects of fentanyl, 4-ANPP, alprazolam, methocarbamol and quetiapine, and was accidental.
She is survived only by Kaya, whom she had with Klitschko during their nine-year relationship. The couple met in 2009, became engaged in 2013 and welcomed their daughter the following year.
In 2018, Panettiere confirmed that she had signed full custody of Kaya to Klitschko while struggling with postpartum depression and substance abuse. Klitschko subsequently moved their daughter to his native Ukraine, while the former couple remained on amicable terms.
Panettiere, who began acting as a child, became widely known for playing Claire Bennet in the television drama Heroes and Juliette Barnes in Nashville. Her film roles included Remember the Titans, Bring It On: All or Nothing, Scream 4 and Scream VI.
An investigation into her death remains ongoing.
