A Los Angeles judge granted former boxer Wladimir Klitschko temporary guardianship of actress Hayden Panettiere's estate Thursday, following her accidental death in August. Kaya Klitschko, the couple's 11-year-old daughter, is the sole heir to the television star's multimillion-dollar fortune.
Klitschko filed an urgent petition in Los Angeles County court on September 24, requesting authority to act as his daughter's representative and protect her inherited assets. He raised concerns that unauthorized individuals had gained access to Panettiere's Los Angeles residence and that pieces of her property were at risk of being lost, damaged, or taken.
According to Klitschko's attorney Dyan Park, an unnamed person who was not a family member removed some of Panettiere's belongings and attempted to sell jewelry at a pawn shop. Park stated that legal authority was necessary to interact with law enforcement and the pawn shop owner regarding the items. Additionally, some assets may be seized by authorities as part of an investigation into the circumstances of Panettiere's death.
Klitschko also noted in his filing that a tax return for Panettiere needed to be filed that month, requiring proper legal authorization to complete the obligation.
Judge Stephanie Santoro granted Klitschko temporary guardianship status, allowing him to manage Kaya's inherited estate until a permanent administrator is appointed. Klitschko and Kaya appeared virtually before the court Thursday, with both speaking only to introduce themselves during the hearing. Kaya confirmed her identity to the court and appeared calm and composed, according to reports.
Panettiere was found unresponsive in a Greenville, South Carolina residence on August 16. The Greenville County Coroner's Office ruled her death an accidental overdose involving multiple drugs, including fentanyl.
Klitschko, a former world boxing champion and Olympic gold medalist, has had full custody of Kaya since 2018, when Panettiere relinquished custody. The child had been living with her father in Europe prior to Panettiere's death. Panettiere's mother, Leslie Vogel, supported Klitschko's candidacy for the guardianship role.