Sophia Hutchins, manager and close friend of Caitlyn Jenner, has been killed in an ATV incident that sent her off the edge of a cliff.
Hutchins reportedly ran into another car’s bumper on the ATV with enough force to send the ATV careering 350 feet down into a ravine. The car contained two passengers, both of whom were unhurt in the crash.
The accident, first reported by TMZ, took place near Hutchins’ home in Malibu. The 29-year-old was pronounced dead at the scene by paramedics.
Who is Sophia Hutchins?
Hutchins worked closely with Caitlyn Jenner, after having been introduced by their shared hairdresser in 2015. The pair bonded over their shared transitioning experience, both being trans women.
She often appeared in TV shows hooked to the Kardashian-Jenner family, with a regular role in the documentary following Jenner’s life post-transition, I Am Cait, and the reality show, Keeping Up With The Kardashians.
Hutchins also took on the role of Jenner’s manager, replacing Caitlyn’s ex-wife Kris. She also became the CEO and director of the Caitlyn Jenner Foundation, a non-profit organisation that “promotes equality and combats discrimination” against transgender people.
While rumours swirled that there may have been a romantic relationship between Hutchins and Jenner, those claims were refuted, with Hutchins emphasising that they were just friends.
Speaking on The Hidden Truth podcast, she said: “I wouldn’t describe it as romantic. I would describe it as: we’re partners, business partners.”
“We have so much in common and see the world so similarly, and are both such a good match for each other because we challenge each other. We’re partners in everything we do – we’re inseparable, we’re business partners, we live together, we share a dog, we share family, we share a life together.”
She was also the founder and chief executive officer of LUMASOL, a company that makes sunscreen mist, which later closed down.
What is an ATV?
An ATV, or an all-terrain vehicle, is a motor vehicle designed for use off-road. They typically have a straddle-style seat, with handlebars for steering.
They’re known for being able to navigate challenging terrain, often used for both work purposes – like agriculture and forestry – and for recreational use.
According to data from the Visionary Law Group, there are over 100,000 emergency room visits caused by ATVs each year.
