A California court granted former professional boxer Wladimir Klitschko temporary legal authority to protect the estate and property of late television star Hayden Panettiere on behalf of their 11-year-old daughter, Kaya, who is the sole heir.
Court Grants Temporary Guardianship of Panettiere Estate to Wladimir Klitschko
Los Angeles Superior Court Judge Stephanie Santoro approved the urgent petition filed by Klitschko during a remote hearing on Thursday, October 8. Klitschko and his daughter appeared via videoconference from Ukraine, where Kaya has lived with her father for most of her life. Kaya appeared on camera wearing a white T-shirt with her hair pulled back, speaking only to confirm her identity and that Klitschko was her father when questioned by the judge. When the judge asked, “Was that you, Kaya?” she replied, “Yes, that was me.”
His attorneys stated in court papers that it was “urgent and essential” for Klitschko to be appointed to obtain the power to nominate a proposed administrator of the estate.
Missing Jewelry and Pawn Shop Allegations Drive Urgent Request
Klitschko’s legal team pressed for immediate action due to concerns that estate assets were disappearing. Lawyer Diane Park told the court that an unnamed nonrelative had taken personal belongings after Panettiere’s death and attempted to sell jewelry at a local pawn shop. The pawn shop refused to release the recovered items without direct intervention from law enforcement. Klitschko further claimed that non-family members previously connected to Panettiere may have accessed and destroyed her emails.
Court documents indicated that federal law enforcement agents investigating the death had also taken pieces of Panettiere’s property. Klitschko’s petition emphasized that without immediate intervention, there was a high probability that property belonging to the estate would be lost, damaged, or dissipated before a permanent administrator could be appointed. The filing noted that Panettiere and Klitschko had previously hired security because an unnamed person had gained unauthorized access to her home, leading to relocated valuables and changed locks.
Background on Panettiere Death Investigation and Co-Parenting History
Panettiere, known for her roles in the television series “Heroes” and “Nashville,” died on August 16 at age 36 in an apartment in Greenville, South Carolina. A coroner’s report from the Greenville County Coroner’s Office stated that the actress died from an accidental overdose involving fentanyl and several other medications. Paramedics found her unresponsive after emergency responders were called to the rental property where she was staying with her on-again, off-again boyfriend, Brian Hickerson, and his brother, Zach Hickerson. Narcan was administered by Brian and Zachary Hickerson in an attempt to revive her, but she was pronounced dead at 2:32 p.m.
Panettiere and Klitschko began dating in 2009, became engaged in 2013, and welcomed Kaya in December 2014 before ending their relationship in 2018. Following the separation, Klitschko assumed full-time custody as Panettiere dealt with postpartum depression and addiction. In a memoir released earlier this year, Panettiere acknowledged being addicted to alcohol. Despite the split, the two maintained a close co-parenting relationship, with Panettiere speaking about their deep friendship just months prior to her death. In May 2026, she told Us Weekly, “I have an incredible relationship with both of them,” and added, “We’re very close, and have had a deep friendship, along with a relationship, since I met him when I was 19.”
Klitschko, 50, is an Olympic gold medalist who held world heavyweight championships from 2000-03 and 2006-15. The brothers, sons of a Soviet major general, are prominent figures in Ukraine during its war with Russia.
Frequently Asked Questions About the Estate Proceedings
Who is the sole heir to Hayden Panettiere’s estate?
Eleven-year-old Kaya is the sole intestate heir to the estate, according to court documents filed by her father.
What specific items were reported missing from the property?
Court filings and legal representatives stated that personal belongings, including jewelry taken by an unidentified nonrelative, were discovered at a pawn shop in Los Angeles County.
When is the next scheduled court hearing for the guardianship?
Judge Stephanie Santoro scheduled the next court hearing for December 8 to review the status of the temporary guardianship and long-term administration of the estate.
Where did Hayden Panettiere pass away?
Panettiere was pronounced dead on August 16 at an apartment in Greenville, South Carolina, after paramedics found her unresponsive.
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