Los Angeles County – Former world‑champion boxer Wladimir Klitschko filed a petition on Thursday in the Los Angeles County Superior Court asking to be appointed as the temporary guardian of his daughter Kaya’s estate. The request comes after the tragic death of Kaya’s mother, actress Hayden Panettiere, who died on Aug. 16 at age 36 from an accidental overdose involving multiple drugs, including fentanyl.
Petition details
The filing describes the situation as “urgent and essential,” arguing that without an immediate appointment, property belonging to Hayden’s estate could be lost, damaged, or dissipated before a permanent personal representative is installed. Klitschko, who has had full custody of Kaya for most of her life and currently resides in Ukraine, seeks temporary authority to protect the child’s future assets until a permanent administrator can be named.
According to the petition, federal agents have seized items from Panettiere’s estate as part of an ongoing investigation, and there is no authorized individual to manage those assets or ensure their return. The document also notes that, prior to her death, Panettiere and Klitschko hired security for their Los Angeles residence after an unnamed individual gained unauthorized access. The petition warns that the same person may continue attempts to misappropriate estate property.
Legal hearing scheduled
A hearing on the petition is set for Oct. 8. Klitschko’s attorneys emphasized that the request is solely to safeguard Kaya’s inheritance and that a permanent administrator will be appointed in due course.
Background on the family
Kaya, now 11, is Panettiere’s sole heir. The actress, best known for her roles on “Heroes” and “Nashville,” had publicly acknowledged struggles with alcohol addiction and postpartum depression after Kaya’s birth in 2014. After Panettiere’s death, her father told investigators that she had planned to travel to Ukraine to visit her daughter in the days following her passing.
Klitschko, 50, is an Olympic gold‑medalist and held several heavyweight titles between 2000 and 2015. He and Panettiere began dating in 2009, became engaged in 2013, and welcomed Kaya in 2014. Their older brother, Vitali Klitschko, serves as the mayor of Kyiv, Ukraine, and both brothers have been active in supporting their country during the ongoing war with Russia.
Implications for the family
If the court grants the temporary guardianship, Klitschko will have legal authority to manage any assets, bank accounts, or property tied to Panettiere’s estate while the permanent administration process proceeds. This step is intended to prevent further loss or misappropriation of the estate’s value, ensuring that Kaya’s financial future remains protected.
The petition underscores the challenges families can face when a parent’s death coincides with federal investigations and potential security threats. By seeking court‑ordered protection, Klitschko aims to provide stability for his daughter during a period of profound loss and uncertainty.
Original reporting: NBC Connecticut — read the source article.
