Wladimir Klitschko granted temporary guardianship of Hayden Panettiere’s estate

Wladimir Klitschko has been granted temporary guardianship of Hayden Panettiere’s estate ahead of December hearing

Wladimir Klitschko, the former fiancé of actor Hayden Panettiere, has been granted temporary guardianship of her estate following her death in August. Their 11-year-old daughter, Kaya, is the sole heir to the estate.

According to People, Klitschko appeared virtually in court on Thursday, October 8, alongside Kaya.

He had filed a petition in Los Angeles County court on September 24, seeking permission to represent his daughter in matters concerning her inheritance.

The filing cited concerns over items seized from Panettiere’s home during a federal investigation, as well as reports that unauthorised individuals had gained access to her Los Angeles residence. Klitschko alleged that some of the actor’s possessions could be at risk of being removed or sold.

"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 filing stated.

According to ABC News, Klitschko submitted a supplementary filing shortly before the court hearing, expressing concern that someone outside Panettiere’s family was selling some of her belongings, including jewellery, to a pawn shop.

He also asked the court for authority to request law enforcement investigations into the recovery of property believed to have been misappropriated.

Panettiere, known for her roles in Heroes and Nashville, was found unresponsive at a residence in Greenville, South Carolina, on August 16.

The Greenville County Coroner’s Office ruled her death an accidental overdose involving several drugs, including fentanyl.

Panettiere and Klitschko had an on-and-off relationship between 2009 and 2018 and became engaged in 2013. Their daughter was born in 2014.

Klitschko has had full custody of Kaya since 2018, when Panettiere relinquished custody amid struggles with postpartum depression and substance abuse.

In an Instagram post following Panettiere’s death, Klitschko wrote, "Nothing will erase the times we shared or the place she had in our lives."

The next court hearing is scheduled for December 7, when permanent guardianship of the estate will be considered. Kaya will not need to attend.