In a shocking blow that has broken the hearts of Hollywood and the LGBTQ+ community, Sophia Hutchins entrepreneur and trans advocate and for many also a long-time friend and former manager of Caitlyn Jenner, has left us at the age of 29. Reportedly, she died in a terrible ATV accident, which is also how her short but very full life came to an end and which left her family, friends and colleagues to grieve the loss of a very alive and full of promise young woman.
A Death Too Soon in an Accidental Tragedy
In the July 4th holiday weekend that was supposed to be of celebration instead it saw the passing of Sophia Hutchins out who had been a very public person with high-profile connections to Olympic gold medal winner and reality star Caitlyn Jenner. Reportedly, in the years leading up to this, her public life was filled with the of typical tabloid story.
Though reports are few at this time, it has been confirmed that the fatal crash, which took place while Hutchins was in the ATV in a remote area. First emergency personnel were to the site of the incident, but of course, it was too late, as she died of her injuries. The tragedy caught all by surprise as it was so sudden, also at the time of the accident, Hutchins had been very public with posts of her life online, which showed she was doing well and looking to the future.
Caitlyn Jenner Reacts: "Shattered by it completely"
At age 74, Caitlyn Jenner is very much in mourning for Hutchins' death. In a very emotional post to social media, Jenner reports that she is "in total and out of which I have never known which to be more appropriate heartache, broken or brokenhearted, as a result of this loss that which we have lost is incalculable. Also, what we had with Hutchins was priceless. Also, that to us, Hutchins was like a daughter and also that she was brilliant, kind and full of life.
Jenner and Hutchins' relationship went way beyond the professional. They called Malibu home together for a number of years and were also regulars in the media. While they made the press, which reported on their rumored romance, both clarified that they weren't in a romantic relationship; what defined their connection was a very real friendship, mutual respect, and professional synergy.
Hutchins was a manager for Jenner through the very public years of her transition and out of which came Jenner's career renaissance. Also of note is how well she did at navigating media and the advocacy efforts Jenner made to bring attention to trans issues.
From high school to CEO and advocate
Sophia Hutchins' path to public recognition started at Pepperdine University in Malibu, California, where she studied finance and entrepreneurship. While in college, she began her own gender transition, which she also put out into the public eye, as it was at once empowering and challenging. She broke barriers with regard to open discussion of her identity, which in turn made her a role model for young trans people as they map out their own.
Hutchins went on to become CEO of LUMASOL, which is a start-up that does innovative sun protection products. In her time at the company, she was recognized for her work in bringing awareness to skin care issues and for her work in promoting gender inclusion in the beauty industry. Beyond her role as a business leader, Hutchins was a trailblazer who sought to redefine what beauty is and to champion wellness for all genders.
Through her public persona, she put forth the value of authenticity, self-care, and mental health. She had a large social media following of hundreds of thousands, which was made up of people who looked to her for her honesty, style, and business sense.
A Legacy of Empowerment and Inspiration
At the age of 29, when Sophia Hutchins died, her legacy lives on. She was a very public proponent of trans rights and also had a great way of bringing out the issues of the marginalized. Hutchins broke through in a world that still has large gaps for trans women, especially trans women in business.
She brought up the issue of representation in boardrooms, media, and politics often, put forth a case for systemic change and more out there for LGBTQ+ in terms of leadership roles. Also in a behind-the-scenes role at a consultative and advocacy level, Hutchins put forward her expertise on issues related to youth empowerment, health care access and gender equity.
Her focus on these issues, which also played to her entrepreneurial side, inspired many young people in the trans community and beyond who are looking to bring about change through innovation and resilience.
An Outpouring of Grief and Tributes
Following the news of her death, reports came in from friends, fans and also other public figures. Many on social media paid tribute to Hutchins' legacy which remembering her as "fearless in who she was", "an inspiration," and "a woman that always made you feel seen". Photos and videos from her dynamic life, which ranged from fashion events and conferences to intimate friends ' get-togethers, filled timelines as the world came together to grieve her loss.
Celebrities from out in the business and entertainment world got in on the discussion with Caitlyn Jenner to share in the sadness and shock. Organizations that support the LGBTQ+ community, like GLAAD and the Human Rights Campaign, put out statements on the matter that spoke to Hutchins' work, which brought attention to the issues trans people face in a professional capacity.
Even those who may not have known her at all noted her talent to connect and inspire through her public image. Her death marks the loss of a friend and influencer, which also brings to an end a great voice in the trans empowerment and inclusion movement.
Remembering a Spark that Died Young
As studies into the cause of the ATV accident are still ongoing, families and friends are left to try to make sense of what has happened, which is in many ways beyond words. In which 29 years of life, Sophia Hutchins touched many lives, broke barriers, and lived with out of the ordinary courage.
Her grace, style, and relentless push for the betterment of others will be very much felt. Although she is no longer here in the physical sense, the legacy of her dedication to empathy, bravery and progress will live within the hearts of those she touched and the issues which she supported.
Plans as of yet do not include a public memorial, but members of the family report that a celebration of life is in the works, which will remember Hutchins' energetic personality, her advocacy work, and the large void she left in the lives of those who knew her.
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