Ex-Chelsea and Man Utd striker Mark Hughes confirms death of son, Alex Hughes, aged 38
By Luke Oluoch, June 21, 2026Former English Premier League manager Mark Hughes has shared the heartbreaking news of the tragic passing of his son Alex, aged 38.
Alex Hughes had a brief playing career with Stockport and Wrexham before joining Blackburn in 2007, working as a performance analyst during his father’s time as manager.
At the time of his demise, Hughes was player recruitment lead at Grimsby after joining the League Two club in 2025.
In his tribute to his son, Mark, who played for Manchester United and Chelsea and managed Manchester City and Blackburn Rovers among other English Premier League sides, he shared his devastation.
“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, and devoted husband and father to Jessica and their two beautiful children, Sebastian and Leonardo.
Privacy
“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,” his statement, as released by LMA, read.
Grimsby, home to Kenyan international Clarke Oduor, also joined the outpouring of tributes with a heartfelt message of condolence.
“Everyone at Grimsby Town Football Club is devastated to learn of the sudden and unexpected passing of our player recruitment lead, Alex Hughes. Alex was a devoted husband, proud father, beloved son, brother, and friend, and a highly valued member of the Grimsby Town family,” Clarke Oduor’s Grimsby Town tribute to Hughes read.