Mark Hutchings says partner died two days after birth

Former West Coast Eagles player Mark Hutchings said his partner, Hannah, died two days after giving birth to their daughter, Sofia, in an Instagram announcement that prompted messages of support from people in the Australian Football League community and others. Hutchings described the loss as sudden and said he was grieving while caring for their newborn daughter. In the post, Hutchings expressed deep sadness and said Hannah had dreamed of becoming a mother. He wrote that he and Sofia loved and would miss her, and thanked people who had reached out. He also said he could not respond to every message but valued the support. Neither his announcement, as reported, nor the accounts of it provided a cause or further circumstances of Hannah’s death. Messages of condolence came from current and former football figures, including West Coast players and former teammates, as well as people outside the club. The tributes included offers of practical and emotional support for Hutchings and Sofia. The reports also described messages from people connected to the family, including one person who said they had spoken with Hannah hours before her death.