Mark Hughes, the former Manchester United and Wales striker, has said he is “totally heartbroken” after the sudden and unexpected death of his son Alex at the age of 38.
Alex Hughes, who was player recruitment lead at League Two club Grimsby Town, had a brief playing career with Stockport County and Wrexham before moving into analysis and recruitment. He worked at Blackburn, Manchester City and Fulham – all clubs managed by his father – then ran a private academy in Portugal and became a player agent, before taking roles at non-league sides AFC Fylde and Morecambe. He joined Grimsby in July 2025, becoming the Mariners’ recruitment lead.
“Son of Wales legend Mark Hughes dies suddenly at 38, leaving family 'totally heartbroken'.”
In a statement released via the League Managers Association, the 62-year-old Hughes and his wife Jill said they were “totally heartbroken by the sudden and unexpected loss of our beloved son Alex”. They described him as “a wonderful son, brother to Curtis and Xenna, devoted husband and father to Jessica and their two beautiful children Sebastian and Leonardo”. The statement added: “Alex had many good friends and colleagues. He will be so deeply missed by us all.”
Grimsby Town also paid tribute, saying the club was “devastated” by the news. “Alex was a devoted husband, proud father, beloved son, brother and friend, and a highly valued member of the Grimsby family,” the club said. “He played an important role in shaping the club’s recruitment strategy and supporting the continued development of the men’s first-team squad.”
The club’s chief executive, Polly Bancroft, said: “Alex was a much-loved and highly respected member of the Grimsby family. His professionalism, dedication and warmth made a lasting impact on everyone who worked with him. I thoroughly enjoyed working alongside Alex and will remember him not only as an outstanding colleague, but as a genuinely kind person who had a positive effect on those around him. He will be greatly missed across the club and beyond.”
Alex Hughes joined Grimsby in 2025 after previous roles at Blackburn, Manchester City, Fulham, Fylde and Morecambe. He is survived by his wife Jessica, their two children, his parents, and his siblings.