Former AFL star Mark Hutchings has spoken out about the sudden death of his partner Hannah, just two days after she gave birth to their first child.
Hutchings, 35, shared the news in a social media statement on Thursday, revealing that his daughter Sofia had been born only 48 hours before Hannah passed away. The ex-West Coast Eagles midfielder, who was part of the club’s 2018 premiership side, posted alongside a beachfront pregnancy photo of the couple.
“It is with deep sadness that I share the sudden loss of my beautiful partner, Hannah,” he wrote. “Two days following the birth of our daughter, Sofia. I am shattered.”
Hutchings emphasized how deeply motherhood had mattered to Hannah. “Her dream was to become a Mum, so it’s been incredibly difficult to take,” he continued in the same post. “Thank you for all of your messages of support, I can’t always reply to them all but I do appreciate them.”
He signed off with a direct farewell: “Sofia and I love you and will miss you very much Hannah.”
The footballer, who spent his entire AFL career with West Coast from 2013 to 2021 before retiring, had been in a relationship with Hannah since approximately 2022 according to reports. No cause of death or further medical details have been made public.
Supporters quickly flooded the comments beneath his announcement with condolences. “My gosh I’m so sorry for your loss. Sending my deepest condolences to you and your sweet baby girl,” one follower wrote. Another added: “My heart breaks for you and Sofia. Sending strength and love during this extremely difficult time.”
Hutchings was a reliable presence in West Coast’s midfield during his eight-season tenure, logging 129 games and earning a premiership medallion when the Eagles defeated Collingwood in the 2018 Grand Final. His retirement at the end of the 2021 season closed out a career spent entirely at the one club.
The Australian Football League community has rallied around Hutchings in the wake of the announcement, with the tragedy drawing an outpouring from fans and former teammates alike.
Hutchings has not indicated when or whether further details about Hannah’s death might be shared, and no funeral arrangements have been publicly announced.