Hayden Panettiere Planned Ukraine Visit Before Death

Actress Hayden Panettiere had reportedly planned a visit to her daughter, Kaya, in Ukraine shortly before her sudden passing on August 16, 2026. Her close friend and hairstylist, Erick Orellana, shared that Panettiere was eager to take a vacation to see her child, whom she considered her absolute priority.

Orellana further described Panettiere's deep affection for Kaya, noting that her daughter was the "light of her life." He expressed disbelief that Panettiere would have intentionally left her daughter, suggesting her passing might have been accidental.

Panettiere shared Kaya with ex-fiancé Wladimir Klitschko. The actress had previously given custody of Kaya to Klitschko amid her struggles with postpartum depression and addiction, with Kaya residing in Ukraine. Panettiere had spoken about their strong bond, even in her final interviews, highlighting their deep connection despite not living together.