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Former Manchester United forward Mark Hughes has shared a heartfelt statement following the sudden and tragic death of his son, Alex Hughes, aged 38.

Alex Hughes had a short playing spell with Stockport County and Wrexham before moving into football analysis, joining Blackburn Rovers in 2007 as a performance analyst. Over the years, he also held roles at Manchester City, Fulham, AFC Fylde and Morecambe, before taking up a position at Grimsby Town in 2025.

At Grimsby Town, Alex served as the club’s Player Recruitment Lead. The League Two side released an official statement expressing their sorrow: “Everyone at Grimsby Town is devastated to learn of the sudden and unexpected passing of our Player Recruitment Lead, Alex Hughes.”

The statement continued: “Alex was a devoted husband, proud father, beloved son, brother and friend, as well as a highly valued member of the Grimsby Town family. Since joining the Mariners in 2025, he quickly became a respected and integral part of the football club.”

“Working closely with Head Coach David Artell and the football department, Alex played a key role in shaping the club’s recruitment strategy and supporting the ongoing development of the men’s first-team squad.”

“Everyone connected with Grimsby Town extends their deepest condolences to Alex’s wife Jessica, his children Sebastian and Leonardo, his parents Mark and Jill, his brother Curtis, his sister Xenna, and all his family, friends and loved ones during this extremely difficult time.”

“The club respectfully requests that the privacy of Alex’s family is honoured as they come to terms with their loss.”

Mark Hughes, who made 467 appearances for Manchester United across two spells, also released a message through the League Managers Association. The 62-year-old said, “Jill and I are completely heartbroken by the sudden and unexpected loss of our beloved son Alex. He was a wonderful son, a loving brother to Curtis and Xenna, a devoted husband and father to Jessica and their two beautiful children, Sebastian and Leonardo.”

“Alex was the Player Recruitment Lead at Grimsby Town FC and had many close friends and colleagues. We will all miss him deeply.”

He added, “We ask for privacy at this very sad time as we begin to come to terms with our family’s loss.”

Manchester United also extended their condolences to Hughes and his family, offering their support and sympathies during this time of grief.