Sophia Hutchins dies at 29 in Malibu ATV crash: Trans advocate and Caitlyn Jenner's longtime manager remembered
Sophia Hutchins, a prominent figure in the transgender rights community and longtime manager of Caitlyn Jenner, died Wednesday in Malibu, California, at the age of 29. Her death followed a tragic collision while riding an all-terrain vehicle, as confirmed by People magazine.
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The accident occurred when Hutchins’ ATV struck another moving vehicle, pushing her off the road. Emergency responders pronounced her dead at the scene, according to TMZ.
Hutchins began working with Caitlyn Jenner shortly after Jenner’s historic coming out as a transgender woman in 2015. The two were introduced by a shared hair stylist during a pivotal period in Jenner’s public journey. Hutchins, then a college student who had recently transitioned, quickly became one of Jenner’s most trusted advisors.
Her role extended beyond personal management. Hutchins served as the CEO and executive director of the Caitlyn Jenner Foundation, a nonprofit organization focused on transgender advocacy and support. Under her leadership, the foundation prioritized visibility and empowerment for trans individuals, often highlighting educational and employment initiatives.
Television audiences came to know Hutchins through her appearances on the E! docuseries I Am Cait, which followed Jenner’s life and transition. Though the series was canceled in 2016 after two seasons, Hutchins remained a steady figure in Jenner’s public and private life.
In a 2018 profile published by Variety, Hutchins spoke candidly about Jenner’s mission. “Caitlyn is not working on these issues for press attention. She’s doing it because she genuinely wants to help the community,” Hutchins said, emphasizing the sincerity of their shared activism.
Persistent tabloid speculation often linked the pair romantically. Both Hutchins and Jenner consistently denied these rumors. “We’re kind of inseparable,” Jenner told Variety. “We’re the best of friends.”
Born on April 1, 1996, in Bellevue, Washington, Hutchins earned a degree in economics and finance from Pepperdine University in 2019. In addition to her nonprofit and media work, she launched Lumasol, a company dedicated to innovative sun protection products.