The AFL community has wrapped its arms around West Coast Eagles premiership hero Mark Hutchings following the tragic death of his partner Hannah.
Hutchings shared the heartbreaking news on Thursday night, revealing Hannah had died just two days after she had given birth to their daughter Sofia.
“It is with deep sadness that I share the sudden loss of my beautiful partner, Hannah ❤️💔,” Hutchings wrote in a social media post.
“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 ❤️💔.”
Past and present Eagles, as well as the wider footy fraternity, sent their love to the new father and the families impacted.
“Love you Hutchy, always here for you,” Jack Darling wrote.
“❤️ thinking of you mate. Sending all our love your way,” Mark Lecras added.
“Love ya brother ❤️,” Scott Lycett said.
Mitch Brown added: “Sending so much love ❤️.”
“😢 ❤️ You’ll be an amazing Dad!!” Brad Sheppard commented.
“Thinking of you mate. ❤️❤️,” Dean Cox wrote.
Geelong great Joel Selwood said: “❤️ send love to you and Sofia”.
“Oh my gosh. I’m so sorry Hutch! Just devastating. Sending so much love and strength to you and Sofia ❤️🫶🏼 xx,” former AFLW player Abbey Holmes wrote.
Several partners of Eagles players also offered their condolences to Hutchings.
Darling’s wife Courtney said: “Been thinking of you everyday Hutch, no words will ever be enough. Praying for you and your beautiful Sofia.”
“I’m so sorry, and sending so much love to you and Sofia, Hutch. You’ve been in our thoughts,” Lily Cole, wife of Eagles player Tom Cole, wrote.
Matildas star and WA product Sam Kerr also reached out, telling Hutchings she was “so sorry” to learn of his loss.
The former Eagle shared further tributes from friends and family to his Instagram story, including an image that appeared to depict the retired player holding his newborn Sofia.
Hutchings, who retired in 2021, said that his partner had always wished to start a family.
“Her dream was to become a Mum, so it’s been incredibly difficult to take,” he wrote.
It is believed the couple had been together since 2022.
Hutchings played 120 games for the Eagles, including a starring role in the club’s premiership win in 2018.
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