Alex Hughes, the son of former Manchester United and Wales striker Mark Hughes, died from “sudden adult death syndrome”, an inquest has found. The 38-year-old was Grimsby Town’s player recruitment lead and had previously held roles at clubs including Manchester City, Fulham, Blackburn and 1860 Munich.
Death at home
Mr Hughes was found collapsed at home in his bedroom in Macclesfield, Cheshire, on June 19 by his sons, an inquest at Cheshire Coroner’s Court heard. Despite resuscitation efforts, his death was confirmed by paramedics. Following a post-mortem examination, his death was attributed to “sudden adult death syndrome”, also known as Sudden Arrhythmic Death Syndrome (SADS).
What is SADS?
SADS is diagnosed when the cause of death cannot be explained in a post-mortem examination because the structure of the heart appears normal. It affects around 500 people in the UK every year. The British Heart Foundation said SADS “usually happens when a dangerously abnormal heart rhythm goes untreated and leads to a cardiac arrest”. The foundation added that inherited heart conditions are “often the cause of SADS if the person who has it doesn’t know they do”. These conditions can include long QT syndrome (LQTS), Brugada syndrome, catecholaminergic polymorphic ventricular tachycardia (CPVT), and progressive cardiac conduction defect (PCCD).
Family tribute
Former striker Mark Hughes said he and his family were “heartbroken” following the sudden death of his son. In a statement released through the League Managers Association, the former Manchester City, Stoke and Blackburn boss said: “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. Alex was player recruitment lead at Grimsby Town FC, and had many good friends and colleagues. He will be so deeply missed by us all.”
Career
Mr Hughes had a brief playing career, on the books of Stockport and Wrexham, before joining Blackburn in 2007, working as a performance analyst during his father’s time as manager. He then followed his father to Manchester City in 2008 and worked with him again at Fulham before forging his own path abroad. He joined Grimsby in 2025.
