Former AFL player Mark Hutchings announces partner’s death days after daughter’s birth
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Mark Hutchings announced the sudden death of his partner, Hannah, on Thursday evening.
The former West Coast Eagles player’s heartbreaking loss comes just two days after the birth of the couple’s first child, a daughter named Sofia.
Mark Hutchings announced the sudden death of his partner Hannah just two days after the birth of their daughter Sofia. Instagram/@hutchjuch
“It is with deep sadness that I share the sudden loss of my beautiful partner, Hannah,” the new dad wrote alongside photos from a pregnancy photoshoot.
“I am shattered. Her dream was to become a Mum, so it’s been incredibly difficult to take.
“Sofia and I love you and will miss you very much Hannah.”
Hutchings, who didn’t give any details around Hannah’s death, was inundated with messages of support and condolences.
“You’ll be the best Dad for your beautiful daughter, we got you,” his former Eagles teammate Nic Naitanui commented.
The former West Coast Eagles player has been inundated with messages of support and condolences. Instagram/@hutchjuch
The West Coast Eagles’ official Instagram account itself commented with simply a red heart.
Mark LeCras wrote “thinking of you mate. Sending all our love your way”.
Jack Crisp, Elliot Yeo, Koby Lecras, Jamie Cripps, Jack Petruccelle, Francis Watson, Brent LeCras and Bailey Williams all left red heart emojis.
Scott Lycett said “love ya brother”.
“Love you Hutchy, always here for you,” Jack Darling wrote.
Australian footballer Samantha Kerr wrote “So sorry” with a heart emoji.
Hutchings’ friend Max Alexander shared a photo from the hospital after Sofia’s birth, telling his mate “we will always be here for you and Sofia my boy”.
Another friend, Perth businessman Jarred Briotti, shared an encouraging message and a collage of photos on his Instagram Story.
Perth businessman Jarred Briotti shared an encouraging message as Hutchings faces fatherhood solo as well as a collage of photos on his Instagram Story Instagram/@jarredbriotti
Hutchings friend Max Alexander shared a photo from the hospital after Sofia’s birth alongside a message of support. Instagram/@maxalexander_
“Love you brother - here for you always,” he wrote.
“She is going to be so proud of the father you are going to be.”
The couple are believed to have begun dating about 2022 or 2023 but have kept their relationship largely out of the public eye.
The 35-year-old premiership-winning midfield-forward retired from AFL in 2021 after 120 games across nine seasons in the blue and gold.
The couple were believed to have begun dating about 2022 or 2023 but have kept their relationship largely out of the public eye. Instagram/@hutchjuch
“The 30-year-old departs the club with his spot in West Coast folklore assured, having played an integral role during the 2018 premiership campaign when he rose to prominence as arguably the AFL’s most effective tagger,” the club said ahead of his departure.
“Hutchings’ shutdown job on Collingwood star Steele Sidebottom in the grand final was pivotal to the team’s success, and the lifelong Eagles fan lived his dream by collecting a premiership medallion at the MCG.”
