Investigation launched into death of AFL star's wife who died two days after giving birth
An investigation is underway into the circumstances surrounding the death of Mark Hutchings' wife Hannah.
The former Australian Football League (AFL) star, 35, and his beloved partner, 36, had welcomed their first child just two days before tragedy struck.
Hutchings announced the heartbreaking news in a poignant social media post on Thursday (24 September), saying he had been 'shattered' by the loss - and Hannah's family has now spoken out.
Hutchings paid tribute to his 'beautiful partner Hannah' while sharing a trio of images of her while she was pregnant with their daughter Sofia.
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"I am shattered," the devastated dad said in an Instagram post shared yesterday. "Her dream was to become a Mum, so it's been incredibly difficult to take.
"Thank you for all of your messages of support, I can't always reply to them all but I do appreciate them.
"Sofia and I love you and will miss you very much, Hannah."
Hutchings, who played nine seasons for the West Coast Eagles from 2013, was reportedly in a relationship with Hannah since around 2022.
She worked at the Royal Perth Hospital as an ICU nurse and had a 'straightforward' pregnancy and birth, according to her sister Lucy Heke.
Lucy described how her late sibling had 'taken to motherhood like a duck to water', telling The West Australian: "She just looked very happy and content."
'It could be a year before they can get the full reasoning as to what happened'
Describing the 36-year-old as 'kind, smart and funny', Lucy explained that an investigation is currently being carried out to determine how Hannah died.
Hannah suffered a cardiac arrest while in hospital on 9 September, the publication reported.
Lucy said: "The initial investigation was inconclusive, it could be a year before they can get the full reasoning as to what happened.
"Us, and Mark’s family, are supporting each other and supporting Mark."
She described her niece Sofia as 'absolutely beautiful' while paying tribute to her sister in wake of her sudden passing.
A host of Hutchings' pals vowed to stick by his side as he navigates fatherhood, including Perth businessman Jarred Briotti.
He commented under the post saying: "Love you brother - here for you always. She is going to be so proud of the father you are going to be."
Briotti, who welcomed a son three weeks before Sofia was born, shared another tribute to Hannah and her husband on Instagram, alongside a picture of them holding their newborns.
"Words can’t describe the past few weeks, though this man has taken to being a father like a duck to water. I am so proud of you, mate...Hannah would be looking down smiling, knowing how much you’ve got this."
Hutchings launched a real estate career after retiring from the AFL at the end of 2021.
AFL stars including Jack Darling, Mark Lecras, Scott Lycett and Mitch Brown were among those who offered their condolences to the new dad in the comment section of his post.
Olivia Burke