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

Mark Hughes has confirmed the sudden death of his son Alex Hughes, aged 38, with the former Manchester United, Blackburn and Wales manager describing himself and his wife Jill as ‘totally heartbroken’ by the loss.

A statement released by the League Managers Association on behalf of Hughes read: “Jill and I are totally heartbroken by the sudden and unexpected loss of our beloved son Alex. Alex was a wonderful son, brother to Curtis and Xenna, devoted husband and father to Jessica and their two beautiful children Sebastian and Leonardo. Alex was Player Recruitment Lead at Grimsby Town FC, and had many good friends and colleagues. 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 been working in Grimsby Town’s player recruitment department at the time of his death. Born in 1987 while his father was contracted to Barcelona, he pursued a brief playing career in Wales before transitioning into football administration.

He began his off-field career as a match analyst at Blackburn Rovers before moving to Manchester City as a scout. He subsequently held roles with Fulham, 1860 Munich and Reading, then served as director of football at AFC Fylde before moving on to Morecambe and Grimsby Town.

Tributes have poured in from across the footballing world following the announcement. Mark Hughes senior enjoyed a distinguished playing career spanning Manchester United, Barcelona, Bayern Munich, Chelsea, Southampton, Everton and Blackburn Rovers, before a lengthy managerial career that included spells in charge of Wales, Blackburn, Manchester City, Fulham, QPR, Stoke, Southampton and Bradford City. His most recent post was at Carlisle United, which he left earlier this year after just over a year in charge.