Los Angeles County Superior Court Judge Stephanie Santoro on Thursday authorized former boxing champion Wladimir Klitschko to serve as temporary guardian of the estate belonging to his daughter, Kaya, following the tragic death of actress Hayden Panettiere. The ruling gives Klitschko legal authority to protect the child’s future assets until a permanent administrator can be selected.
Urgent petition to safeguard the inheritance
Klitschko, who has had primary custody of Kaya for most of her life, filed an urgent petition last week alleging that federal law‑enforcement agents investigating Panettiere’s accidental overdose and an unidentified non‑relative were attempting to take possession of her property. The petition warned that items, including jewelry, had already been removed and offered for sale at a pawn shop, putting the daughter’s inheritance at risk of loss, damage, or dissipation.
During the brief hearing, Klitschko and his daughter appeared remotely via videoconference. Only Kaya was visible on camera, seated at a table in front of curtains, as the parties introduced themselves before the judge.
Judge’s response and immediate authority
Judge Santoro questioned Klitschko’s attorney, Diane Park, about the urgency of the request. Park explained that the alleged non‑relative had taken items after Panettiere’s death and attempted to pawn some of her jewelry. She also noted that the estate’s taxes must be filed that month, adding further pressure to secure the assets promptly.
Finding the explanation satisfactory, Judge Santoro granted Klitschko temporary guardian status, giving him authority to deal with the pawnshop owner, coordinate with law‑enforcement agencies, and manage any immediate financial obligations of the estate.
Background on the case
Hayden Panettiere was pronounced dead on August 16 in Greenville, South Carolina, after paramedics found her unresponsive. A coroner’s report confirmed an accidental overdose involving multiple drugs, including fentanyl. Panettiere had entered rehab weeks before her death and was preparing to travel to Ukraine to visit her daughter.
According to court documents, Panettiere and Klitschko had hired security for their home prior to her death after an unknown individual gained unauthorized access. The filing asserts a high probability that property belonging to Hayden’s estate could be lost, damaged, or dissipated without protective measures.
Panettiere’s mother, Lesley Vogel, submitted a consent form supporting Klitschko’s appointment, underscoring the family’s desire to keep the daughter’s inheritance safe.
Klitschko’s personal background
Wladimir Klitschko, 50, is a former Olympic gold‑medalist and heavyweight champion who held multiple world titles between 2000 and 2015. He began dating Panettiere in 2009, became engaged in 2013, and the couple welcomed their daughter Kaya in 2014. After Kaya turned two, she moved to live full‑time with Klitschko in Ukraine.
Klitschko’s older brother, Vitali, serves as the mayor of Kyiv, Ukraine’s capital, and both brothers have been prominent public figures amid the ongoing conflict with Russia.
Next steps
The court will later appoint a permanent administrator to oversee the estate long‑term. In the meantime, Klitschko’s temporary guardianship aims to ensure that Kaya’s inheritance remains intact and that any necessary tax filings and asset protections are handled promptly.
Original reporting: Alexandria, VA News – WTOP News — read the source article.
