Mark Hughes 'totally heartbroken' after sudden death of son Alex at 38

Mark Hughes has described his family as “totally heartbroken” following the sudden death of his son Alex Hughes, who was 38 years old. The former Wales and Manchester United striker released a statement through the League Managers Association confirming the news.

“Jill and I are totally heartbroken by the sudden and unexpected loss of our beloved son Alex,” Hughes said. “Alex was a wonderful son, brother to Curtis and Xenna, devoted husband and father to Jessica and their two beautiful children Sebastian and Leonardo. He will be so deeply missed by us all. We ask for privacy during this sad time as we come to terms with our family’s loss.”

Alex Hughes had a career in football that began as a player, with spells at Stockport and Wrexham, before he transitioned into performance analysis and recruitment. He worked closely with his father during Mark Hughes’s managerial tenures at Blackburn Rovers, Manchester City and Fulham, before joining Grimsby Town as player recruitment lead last July.

Grimsby Town chairman Andrew Pettit also paid tribute, saying: “Everyone at Grimsby Town Football Club is shocked and saddened by the news of Alex’s passing. Our deepest sympathies go out to his family and loved ones at this incredibly difficult time. He will always be remembered as a valued member of the Mariners family who contributed so much during his time with us.”