Former AFL player Mark Hutchings is mourning the devastating loss of his partner, Hannah, who died just two days after giving birth to their daughter, Sofia.
Hutchings shared the heartbreaking news on Instagram on September 24, revealing that he was struggling to come to terms with the sudden loss of the woman he loved.
“It is with deep sadness that I share the sudden loss of my beautiful partner, Hannah,” Hutchings wrote. “I am shattered. Her dream was to become a Mum, so it’s been incredibly difficult to take.”
The former West Coast Eagles player, who retired from the AFL in 2021, also expressed his gratitude for the messages of support he and his newborn daughter have received during this incredibly difficult time.
“Thank you for all of your messages of support,” he wrote. “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.”
Hutchings’ former teammates quickly rallied around him, offering messages of love and encouragement.
Nic Naitanui wrote that Hutchings would be a wonderful father to his daughter, while former teammate Mark LeCras also sent his support.
Members of the West Coast Eagles community and the players’ families also shared their condolences. Courtney Darling, wife of Jack Darling, wrote that she had been thinking about Hutchings every day and was praying for him and baby Sofia.
The 35-year-old has generally kept his personal life private, occasionally sharing glimpses of Hannah and his family on social media.
Hutchings retired from professional football in 2021 after a career with the West Coast Eagles. At the time, he thanked his family, teammates, supporters and the club for the memories and opportunities he had experienced throughout his career.
He later moved into the real estate industry, beginning a new professional chapter after leaving the sport he had loved since childhood.
Now, Hutchings is facing an unimaginable personal loss while caring for his newborn daughter, Sofia, as he remembers Hannah and the dream they shared of becoming parents.