Wladimir Klitschko, the ex-fiancé of the late actor Hayden Panettiere, filed a petition in Los Angeles County probate court to be appointed temporary representative of their 11-year-old daughter’s estate. The filing, submitted by lawyers on Thursday, September 24, 2026, seeks to protect the inheritance of their daughter, Kaya, who is Panettiere’s sole legal heir.
The legal action follows the death of Panettiere, 36, who was found unresponsive in Greenville, South Carolina, on August 16, 2026. A coroner's report determined she died from an accidental overdose of several drugs, including fentanyl. Panettiere, known for her roles in "Heroes" and "Nashville," had previously acknowledged struggles with alcohol addiction and postpartum depression in a memoir released earlier in 2026.
Klitschko’s petition alleges that Panettiere's Los Angeles residence has been accessed by unauthorized individuals and that high-value items, including jewelry and wardrobe pieces, are missing. The filing also notes that federal agents have seized various items from the property as part of an investigation into her death. Klitschko stated he is seeking legal status to ensure these items are returned and preserved for his daughter.
The petition describes the appointment of a representative as "urgent and essential" to prevent property from being lost, damaged, or dissipated. Klitschko, a former world champion boxer and Olympic gold medalist, has had full custody of Kaya for most of her life. She has lived with him in Ukraine since she was 2 years old. Klitschko’s brother, Vitali, is currently the mayor of Kyiv.
The situation involves federal law enforcement agencies, which are investigating the circumstances of Panettiere's death. This means the estate's assets are currently divided between items in government custody and property in a private residence that has reportedly faced security breaches. The effects could include a prolonged probate process in California courts as the court determines the permanent administrator of the estate while investigations continue.
The petition serves as a precedent for how the property of a deceased public figure is managed when the sole heir is a minor living in a foreign country. For Kaya, the day-to-day impact involves the legal securing of her mother’s belongings and the eventual distribution of the estate. A hearing to review the emergency request is scheduled for October 8, 2026.