Malibu, California — Sophia Hutchins, the manager of Caitlyn Jenner, tragically died in an ATV accident on Wednesday. She was 29 years old. Law enforcement officials reported that Hutchins was pronounced dead at the scene after her ATV collided with a moving car, sending the vehicle plummeting 350 feet into a nearby ravine.
Witnesses indicated that the accident occurred on a road close to Jenner’s residence. Fortunately, no one in the vehicle was injured. Hutchins was known for her close friendship with Jenner, which blossomed around the time the former Olympian publicly embraced her identity as a transgender woman. The nature of their relationship has sparked speculation, but Hutchins firmly denied these claims in a past interview, asserting their bond was purely platonic.
The two first connected through Hutchins’ makeup artist during a photo shoot, where a shared sense of humor led to an instant rapport. Hutchins later took on the role of Jenner’s manager, moving into Jenner’s Malibu home during her senior year at Pepperdine University. Hutchins recognized the challenges Jenner faced in navigating her career and expressed a desire to protect her friend from potential exploitation in the entertainment industry.
In previous discussions, Hutchins described how she felt compelled to step in as Jenner’s manager, highlighting her commitment to ensuring that Jenner capitalized on her brand without losing financial stability. “Caitlyn, if I don’t step in here and start managing you, you’re going to go broke,” she recalled thinking during their early conversations.
Hutchins not only supported Jenner’s professional endeavors but also became an influential figure in the trans rights movement, serving as the executive director and CEO of Jenner’s foundation dedicated to advocacy for transgender issues. Born in the Seattle area, Hutchins was open about her own journey, reflecting on the significant personal growth she experienced while attending college.
Before her untimely death, Hutchins founded Lumasol, a sunscreen venture, and was active in Republican circles, supporting Donald Trump’s 2024 campaign. She often shared insights and posed alongside him in promotional materials on social media.
In a statement shared by her publicist a few years ago, Jenner expressed profound appreciation for Hutchins, calling her a “best friend, family, and confidant.” She praised Hutchins’ entrepreneurial spirit, noting, “Her value in my life is undeniable. The sky is the limit.”
Hutchins’ passing marks a significant loss for both Jenner and the broader community involved in transgender activism. As tributes pour in, friends and colleagues remember Hutchins for her ambition, warmth, and unwavering support for those around her.