The son of Manchester United star and former Wales manager Mark Hughes, Alex Hughes, died from sudden adult death syndrome, an inquest has determined. He was 38 years old.
Alex Hughes was found collapsed in his bedroom by his two sons on June 19. His eldest son, Sebastian, 11, attempted CPR, but his father could not be revived. The inquest heard that the cause of death was Sudden Adult Death Syndrome (SADS), a condition that typically affects young men, with approximately 800 cases reported annually in England.
Area coroner Victoria Davies concluded that the death was due to natural causes. A post-mortem examination revealed no significant toxicology results, with no alcohol, drugs, or prescription medications detected. A cardiac pathology report indicated sudden death with a normal heart, and no other significant findings were noted.
Mark Hughes, Alex's father, described the loss as leaving his family "totally heartbroken." Alex Hughes was the head of player recruitment at League Two club Grimsby Town FC. He had previously worked in various behind-the-scenes football roles, including as a match analyst at Blackburn, a scout for Manchester City, and chief analyst at Fulham. He also held advisory positions at 1860 Munich and Reading before his recent roles at AFC Fylde, Morecambe, and Grimsby Town.
The funeral was attended by numerous sports figures, including former Manchester United manager Sir Alex Ferguson, Bryan Robson, and Ryan Giggs. Alex Hughes' wife, Jess, and their sons, Sebastian, 11, and Leonardo, 9, were present. His father, Mark Hughes, a former player and manager, served as a pallbearer.