A former Australian rules football star has announced that his partner has died, just two days after the couple welcomed their first child together.
“It is with deep sadness that I share the sudden loss of my beautiful partner, Hannah, 2 days following the birth of our daughter, Sofia,” Mark Hutchings wrote via Instagram on Thursday, September 24, alongside a carousel of photos of the couple at the beach. In two of the photos, Hannah is showing her baby bump.
“I am shattered,” Hutchings, 35, continued. “Her dream was to become a Mom, so it’s been incredibly difficult to take.Thank you for all of your messages of support, I can’t always reply to them all but I do appreciate them. Sofia and I love you and will miss you very much Hannah.”
The couple is believed to have been together since 2022, according to 7News, and Hannah has been a frequent presence on Hutchins’ social media pages since 2023. They appeared to be avid travelers, with Hutchings adding posts with her from Italy, Vietnam, France and more.
Hutchings did not share how Hannah died, but The West Australian reports there is an ongoing investigation into what happened. Hannah’s sister, Lucy, told the outlet that it could take a year before they truly understand what happened.
The West Australian also reported she suffered a cardiac arrest while in the hospital on September 9.
Drafted by the Australian Football League’s St. Kilda in 2009, Hutchings was dropped from the club the following year without playing a match at the senior level. In 2012, the West Coast Eagles drafted him with the No. 60 overall pick after he went undrafted the year before.
Hutchings played nine seasons for West Coast from 2013 to 2021, scoring 46 goals over 120 games. He was also part of the 2018 team that won the league’s premiership, defeating Collingwood in the grand final.
Since his retirement, Hutchings has worked in real estate, according to his Instagram bio.
Friends and fans took to the comments of his post to offer their support.
Australian soccer player and Gotham FC star Sam Kerr wrote, “So sorry ❤️.”
Hutchings’ former teammate Jack Darling added, “Love you Hutchy, always here for you,” and Jack’s wife, Courtney, wrote, “Been thinking of you every day Hutch, no words will ever be enough. Praying for you and your beautiful Sofia.”
“Thinking of you mate. Sending all our love your way,” former teammate Mark LeCras said.
“I have not stopped thinking about this all day,” Australian actress Teresa Palmer commented. “I am so sorry for your unfathomable loss. Devastated for her, for Sofia, for you and all that loved her. May you find comfort in your amazing community and the impact she has made on you all. 🕊️❤️.”
