A devastating blow has hit Caitlyn Jenner’s close-knit circle, as her longtime friend, confidante, and former housemate, Sophia Hutchins, has tragically passed away following a horrific ATV accident near Jenner’s Malibu home.
The 29-year-old was riding an all-terrain vehicle on a winding road near Caitlyn’s property when disaster struck on Wednesday, July 2. Reports indicate that Sophia’s ATV collided with a car, causing it to plummet 350 feet into a ravine.
Despite the swift response of emergency crews, who rushed to the scene, Sophia was tragically pronounced dead on-site. Authorities confirmed that the two occupants of the car were uninjured in the crash.
This loss leaves a deep hole in the hearts of those who knew Sophia, particularly Caitlyn, who had shared a personal and professional bond with her. The news has sent shockwaves through their circle, and tributes have already begun to pour in for the young woman whose life was taken far too soon.
As the tragic news of Sophia Hutchins’ death reverberates through Caitlyn Jenner’s inner circle, the Olympian has yet to make a public statement. It remains unclear whether Caitlyn was home at the time of the accident that claimed Sophia’s life.
For nearly a decade, Sophia had been a constant and protective presence in Caitlyn’s life. Taking on the role of manager in 2017 after Caitlyn’s high-profile split from Kris Jenner, Sophia quickly became an integral part of her professional and personal world, even appearing alongside Caitlyn on the reality series I Am Cait.
A trailblazer in her own right, Sophia, also a transgender woman, had only recently begun her transition when she first met Caitlyn. With a degree in economics and finance from Pepperdine University, Sophia had big aspirations, graduating in 2018.
In 2017, she moved in with Caitlyn at her Malibu estate, sparking rumors of a romantic relationship—a notion Sophia was quick to shut down.
In a 2019 interview with The New York Times, Sophia opened up about stepping into the manager role during a particularly vulnerable time in Caitlyn’s life, explaining that it was driven by her unwavering desire to help and support her friend through her most difficult moments.
Sophia Hutchins, who tragically lost her life in a recent ATV accident, was more than just Caitlyn Jenner’s manager. She was a steadfast guardian and a guiding force in Caitlyn’s life, a role she took on with deep personal commitment.
“I saw nobody was managing her, and there were all these people taking massive advantage,” Sophia once explained. “And I was saying: ‘Caitlyn, if I don’t step in here and start managing you, you’re going to go broke.’”
But it wasn’t just about business. Sophia often described their bond in familial terms, emphasizing a parental relationship with Caitlyn: “Caitlyn is a parent to me. I have said that a million times. It is a parental, familial relationship.”
Fending Off Rumors and Speculation
Throughout their years together, Sophia’s close relationship with Caitlyn fueled relentless speculation about the nature of their connection. Sophia, however, was unflinching in addressing the rumors.
“Love the whole LGBT community but so tired of rumors that I am romantically with Caitlyn,” she wrote in a social media post. “I am only ever with men and only ever have been. Stop the rumors! It’s been years.”
Despite the gossip, Sophia maintained a warm and respectful relationship with Caitlyn’s extended family. She was well-known among the Kardashian-Jenner clan and remained close to Caitlyn’s daughters Kendall and Kylie, as well as her ex-wife, Kris Jenner. Sophia even appeared in a campaign for Kim Kardashian’s popular clothing brand, SKIMS.
The Final Public Appearance
The last time Sophia was seen publicly with Caitlyn was at the White House Correspondents’ Dinner in April 2024. That glamorous evening now serves as the poignant end to a long and loyal friendship, leaving many to reflect on the depth of their bond and the immeasurable loss felt by those who knew Sophia best.
As tributes begin to pour in, fans and friends alike are mourning the loss of a woman who not only shaped Caitlyn Jenner’s public life but stood by her through the most personal and intimate moments imaginable.
Sophia Hutchins wasn’t just Caitlyn’s manager — she was her rock.