Wladimir Klitschko, the former partner of actor Hayden Panettiere, has expressed his "profound shock and grief" at her death.
Panettiere, 36, was found dead on Monday in Greenville, South Carolina after being found unresponsive.
Her cause of death has not been confirmed but police said there were "no signs of foul play or suspicious circumstances".
Former boxing champion Klitschko had custody of their daughter Kaya, and last night publicly addressed Panettiere's death.
"Our family is going through a time of profound shock and grief," he wrote.
"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.
"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.
"Thank you to everyone who is supporting my family and expressing their sincere condolences.
"Rest easy, Hayden. May you find eternal peace."
Panettiere had previously spoken of her decision to give up custody of Kaya as she battled addiction and poor mental health.
"The idea that anyone would think that I would just give away my child and be OK with it is heartbreaking and couldn't be further from the truth," she told podcaster Jay Shetty.
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