Former Australian football star Mark Hutchings is mourning his partner, Hannah Camplin, who died just two days after giving birth to their daughter, Sofia.
The 35-year-old former West Coast Eagles player announced the devastating loss in a Sept. 24 Instagram post, sharing a photograph of the couple embracing beside the ocean.
“It is with deep sadness that I share the sudden loss of my beautiful partner, Hannah, 2 days following the birth of our daughter, Sofia,” he wrote.
“I am shattered.”
Hutchings said becoming a mother had been Hannah’s dream.
“Her dream was to become a Mum, so it’s been incredibly difficult to take,” he wrote.
New reporting from PerthNow identifies Hannah as a 36-year-old intensive care nurse at Royal Perth Hospital who also worked with its trauma research unit.
The outlet reported that she suffered a cardiac arrest in hospital on Sept. 9, after what her family described as a straightforward pregnancy and birth. The underlying reason for her death remains unresolved.
Her sister, Lucy Heke, said Hannah had been happy and content spending time with her newborn. She told the outlet that an initial investigation had been inconclusive and that further answers could take considerable time.
The new details clarify an important part of the timeline: Hutchings shared his announcement more than two weeks after the reported death, rather than immediately afterward.
Hannah’s family and Hutchings’ relatives are supporting one another and helping him care for Sofia, according to her sister.
Hutchings’ message prompted an outpouring of support from former teammates and others across Australian sports.
Nic Naitanui assured him he would be “the best Dad” to his daughter and said his former teammates were behind him. Mark LeCras sent his love, while Jack Darling wrote, “Love you Hutchy, always here for you.”
Darling’s wife, Courtney, said she had been thinking about Hutchings every day and was praying for him and Sofia. Other messages came from former Eagles players, coach Dean Cox and Australian soccer star Sam Kerr.
Hutchings played 120 AFL games across nine seasons with West Coast and helped the Perth-based club win the 2018 premiership, the league’s championship.
He was particularly important in that title game against Collingwood, limiting the influence of star midfielder Steele Sidebottom. His time with the Eagles ended after the 2021 season when the club did not offer him another contract.
He has since built a career in real estate, with his professional profile describing the same dedication and work ethic he brought to football.
In his announcement, Hutchings thanked those who had reached out, explaining that he appreciated their support even when he could not reply to every message.
He closed with a farewell from himself and their daughter.
“Sofia and I love you and will miss you very much Hannah.”
What's Up Today Editorial Team