Former AFL premiership player Mark Hutchings has shared the heartbreaking news that his partner Hannah has died suddenly, just two days after the birth of their first child.
The former West Coast Eagles midfielder announced the devastating loss on social media, revealing that Hannah had died only days after the couple welcomed their baby daughter, Sofia.
What should have been one of the happiest weeks of their lives has instead become one of unimaginable grief for Hutchings, who shared a series of beautiful photographs of the couple as he paid tribute to 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.
“Sofia and I love you and will miss you very much, Hannah.”
The heartbreaking announcement prompted an outpouring of love and support from Hutchings’ friends, former teammates and members of the wider AFL community.
Among those rallying around the new father was former West Coast teammate Nic Naitanui, who assured Hutchings he would not be facing the difficult road ahead alone.
“You’ll be the best Dad for your beautiful daughter, we got you,” Naitanui wrote.
Friends have also shared messages promising to stand beside Hutchings and baby Sofia as they come to terms with Hannah’s sudden death.
Hutchings, 35, played 120 AFL games across nine seasons with West Coast before retiring in 2021. He was a member of the Eagles’ 2018 premiership side, earning a reputation as one of the club’s most dependable midfielders and taggers.
But football achievements have understandably faded into the background following a week in which Hutchings experienced the joy of becoming a father and, almost immediately, the devastating loss of his partner.
His tribute made clear just how much becoming a mother had meant to Hannah.
Now, as Hutchings begins life as a father to their newborn daughter, those closest to him have made one message equally clear: he and little Sofia will be surrounded by love and support as they grieve the woman who should have been sharing this new chapter beside them.
