Wladimir Klitschko wins temporary guardianship of Hayden Panettiere's estate to protect daughter Kaya's inheritance

From the Newshound archive · first published 8 October 2026 · last updated 9 October 2026.

Wladimir Klitschko, 50, received a temporary guardianship order over the late Hayden Panettiere's estate from a Los Angeles court on Thursday, after he alleged that someone outside the family had pawned the actress's jewellery following her death. Kaya, 11, joined the hearing remotely by videoconference and was described as 'soft-spoken and composed' while responding to the judge's questions. Klitschko's lawyer Diane Park argued the matter was urgent, warning that assets risked going untracked while the death investigation continued.

Panettiere died aged 36 on 16 August from the toxic effects of fentanyl and multiple other drugs, with her death ruled accidental.

Klitschko alleged a non-family member had tried to sell Panettiere's jewellery at a pawn shop, which refused to disclose details without a law enforcement request.

Kaya, Panettiere's sole heir to a reported $6 million estate, has lived with her father in Ukraine since 2018, when Panettiere signed over full custody.