Hayden Panettiere‘s missing engagement ring has raised questions about what happened to some of her personal belongings following her sudden death. Now, her former fiancé and the father of her child, Wladimir Klitschko, is seeking help from law enforcement after learning that jewelry and other items may have been sold to a pawn shop. The latest development adds another layer to Klitschko’s effort to safeguard his daughter’s inheritance.
Hayden Panettiere’s Engagement Ring Is Missing
More than a month after Hayden Panettiere’s death at 36 years old, her family and close friends are reportedly looking for the actress’s engagement ring from her former fiancé, Wladimir Klitschko. They believe a person she was with during her final days pawned her belongings, including the ring, per The Blast.
In August, Panettiere’s mother, Lesley Vogel, alleged that Brian Hickerson, who was with the actress when she was found deceased, pawned some of her daughter’s belongings, such as a vintage guitar. An anonymous source also backed up her claim.
She also said her daughter was shocked to learn that her on-and-off partner had kept some of her belongings in a storage unit.
Wladimir Klitschko Wants Law Enforcement’s Involvement To Get Answers
It seems Klitschko has been trying to get back the engagement ring but has hit a wall and wants authorities to step in.
Per court documents obtained by TMZ, Klitschko suspects that “a non-family member previously connected to Hayden” pawned items, including jewelry, and specifically the ring he gave her. He also noted that the pawn shop would not divulge information about transactions and dealings without a request from law enforcement.
Klitschko proposed to Panettiere in 2013 with a six-carat, emerald-cut Montblanc engagement ring reportedly worth $500,000. The actress said at the time that she collaborated with the luxury brand and came up with the design.
“I told them my idea over time and tweaking things here and there, it came to fruition,” she said.
Hayden Panettiere’s Former Fiancé Is Protecting Her Estate
Klitschko and Panettiere ended their relationship in 2018, but the actress kept the sentimental and valuable piece of jewelry.
In his filing, Klitschko said he was concerned his ex’s belongings might not be recovered without law enforcement’s intervention. “There is a real and continuing risk that any remaining items, including jewelry, believed to belong to Hayden, will be sold, transferred or otherwise rendered unrecoverable,” he noted.
The document was filed together with his petition to be named the “guardian of the estate” for Kaya, his 11-year-old daughter with Panettiere.
Hayden Panettiere’s Daughter Is Her Sole Legal Heir
Klitschko and Panettiere welcomed their daughter, Kaya, in 2014, and she is reportedly the sole heir to her mother’s estate.
Kaya has been living with her father in Ukraine since 2018, after Panettiere voluntarily signed over full custody to Klitschko to focus on her recovery. Being apart from her daughter was “gut-wrenching” for the actress, but they have forged a strong relationship despite the distance.
The exes had a healthy co-parenting relationship, and Klitschko wants to make sure that Kaya’s inheritance is protected. He filed an urgent petition in Los Angeles to serve as the temporary guardian of Panettiere’s estate, which the actress’ family reportedly supports.
Wladimir Klitschko’s Touching Tribute To Hayden Panettiere
A few days after the actress’ passing, Klitschko took to Instagram and posted a heartfelt tribute to his ex, writing that while they were no longer in a romantic relationship, Panettiere remains an important part of his life.
August 21 marked what would have been the actress’ 37th birthday. She was supposed to celebrate by flying to Ukraine and being with her daughter and Klitschko. She had planned to spend quality time with Kaya. He shared a photo of his ex on Instagram, noting that although their plans did not go as expected, he and his daughter would celebrate Panettiere’s “life, her spirit, and the love she brought into this world.”
