Former Manchester United and Wales striker Mark Hughes has announced the sudden death of his son Alex at the age of 38, describing the loss as 'heartbreaking' for his family.
Family statement confirms tragic loss
In a statement released via the League Managers Association, Mark Hughes and his wife Jill expressed their devastation. 'Jill and I are totally heartbroken by the sudden and unexpected loss of our beloved son Alex,' the statement read. 'Alex was a wonderful son, brother to Curtis and Xenna, devoted husband and father to Jessica and their two beautiful children Sebastian and Leonardo.'
The couple requested privacy as they come to terms with their loss. 'We ask for privacy during this sad time as we come to terms with our family’s loss,' they added.
Alex Hughes' football career
Alex Hughes, who was 38, served as Player Recruitment Lead at Grimsby Town FC. He had previously held roles at Manchester City, Fulham, Blackburn Rovers, and 1860 Munich. His brief playing career included spells with Stockport and Wrexham before moving into analysis.
He joined Blackburn in 2007 as a performance analyst during his father’s tenure as manager, following Mark to Manchester City in 2008. He later worked with him again at Fulham before forging his own path abroad. He joined Grimsby in 2025.
Community mourning
Grimsby Town and the wider football community have expressed condolences. The League Managers Association facilitated the family's statement. Alex is survived by his wife Jessica, their two children, his parents Mark and Jill, and siblings Curtis and Xenna.
