Hayden Panettiere’s heartbroken father was ‘just starting to come back’ from son’s death before Nashville star’s sudden passing

Hayden Panettiere‘s father, Alan ‘Skip’ Panettiere, was “just starting to come back” following the death of the Hollywood actress aged 36, according to those who knew him.

The Nashville actress sadly died at an Airbnb in Greenville, South Carolina, from an apparent overdose just three years after her brother, Jansen, passed away in February 2023 from complications with his ‘enlarged’ heart aged 28.

Now, neighbours have revealed that Alan appeared as though he was “just starting to come back” from the tragedy when he learned that his daughter was dead just weeks after she visited him, according to the New York Post.

The publication reported that Alan, a well-known figure in his Rockland County village, “retreated” after his son Jansen died.

The grieving father confirmed his daughter’s death in an emotional statement on Sunday evening.

“It is with profound sadness that we share the tragic passing of our beloved Hayden,” he said.

“She was an incredible light and a force of nature who brought immeasurable love and joy to all who knew her – and to the millions who watched her onscreen,” the statement continued.

Emotional tributes

On Tuesday, Hayden’s ex-fiancé, Ukrainian boxer Wladimir Klitschko, broke his silence on the sad news.

The former heavyweight boxing champion, 50, expressed his “shock and grief” in an emotional statement he shared on social media.

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Wladimir, who shared 11-year-old daughter Kaya with Hayden, posted a photo of the family alongside a heartfelt message, which read: “Our family is going through a time of profound shock and grief.

“The announcement of Hayden’s tragic death saddens me deeply. She left this world far too soon. Hayden was, although no longer my partner, an important part of my life and the mother of our daughter, Kaya.

“She built an incredible career through immense talent, while also facing the darker sides of a very demanding industry. Nothing will erase the times we shared or the place she had in our lives.”

© WireImage for Teen Vogue

He continued: “To our daughter Kaya, I will always speak of her mother with respect and make sure she remembers the person she was.

“I extend my deepest condolences to Hayden’s parents, her friends, and her fans, who are also grieving today. Young and talented people like Hayden should not leave this world so soon.

“I ask everyone to please respect our family’s feelings and privacy during this incredibly difficult time. For now, this is all I wish to say.”

He concluded: “Thank you to everyone who is supporting my family and expressing their sincere condolences. Rest easy, Hayden. May you find eternal peace.”