Mark Hughes pays tribute to son Alex Hughes after tragic passing aged 38

Mark Hughes says he and his family are heartbroken following the tragic passing of his son Alex, aged 38.

Alex Hughes had a brief playing career with Stockport and Wrexham before joining Blackburn in 2007, working as a performance analyst during his father's time as manager.

He was player recruitment lead at Grimsby after joining the League Two club in 2025. Prior to that, he had worked in roles with Blackburn, Manchester City, Fulham, AFC Fylde and Morecambe.

Former Manchester United, Chelsea and Wales striker Hughes paid tribute to his son in a statement released by the LMA, which read: "Jill and I are totally heartbroken by the sudden and unexpected loss of our beloved son Alex.

"Alex was a wonderful son, brother to Curtis and Xenna, devoted husband and father to Jessica and their two beautiful children, Sebastian and Leonardo.