Alex Hughes, 38, son of former Wales and Manchester United forward Mark Hughes, has died from sudden adult death syndrome. He was found at his Macclesfield home on June 19 and the coroner recorded his death as natural causes. Hughes worked as player recruitment lead at Grimsby Town FC and had previously played for Manchester City. Medical experts say SADS is caused by heart arrhythmias, and the SADS Foundation warns that family history or fainting are common warning signs.
Alex Hughes, Son of Mark Hughes, Dies Aged 38 From Sudden Adult Death Syndrome
Alex Hughes, the 38-year-old son of former Wales international and Manchester United forward Mark Hughes, has died from sudden adult death syndrome (SADS), his father confirmed to the BBC. He was discovered by his sons at his home in Macclesfield, Cheshire, on June 19.
"Alex was a wonderful son, brother to Curtis and Xenna, devoted husband and father to Jessica and their two beautiful children Sebastian and Leonardo," Mark Hughes said in a statement. "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."
At the time of his death, Hughes worked as player recruitment lead for Grimsby Town FC. Earlier in his playing career he spent time with Manchester City. The local coroner recorded his death as due to natural causes.
What Is SADS?
Sudden adult death syndrome (SADS) refers to sudden, unexpected death in apparently healthy adults caused by undiagnosed heart conditions that produce abnormal heart rhythms (arrhythmias). Medical sources such as the Cleveland Clinic explain that these arrhythmias arise from problems with the heart's electrical system and can cause sudden cardiac arrest.
LIVERPOOL, ENGLAND – SEPTEMBER 22: Mark Hughes, Manager of Southampton looks on prior to the Premier League match between Liverpool FC and Southampton FC at Anfield on September 22, 2018 in Liverpool, United Kingdom. (Photo by Alex Livesey/Getty Images)
The SADS Foundation estimates that roughly 4,000 SADS-related deaths occur each year among children, teenagers and young adults. It notes that more than half of these cases display one of two common warning signs: a family history of SADS or sudden unexplained death, or a personal history of fainting episodes.
Doctors advise that anyone with a family history of unexplained sudden death or episodes of fainting should seek medical review, which may include ECG testing and specialist referral. This can help identify inherited heart conditions that might be treatable or manageable.
NewsNation and the BBC contributed reporting to this story.
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