Mark Hughes says he and his family are heartbroken following the tragic passing of his son Alex, aged 38.
Alex Hughes had a brief playing career with Stockport and Wrexham before joining Blackburn in 2007, working as a performance analyst during his father's time as manager.
He was player recruitment lead at Grimsby after joining the League Two club in 2025. Prior to that, he had worked in roles with Blackburn, Manchester City, Fulham, AFC Fylde and Morecambe.
Former Manchester United, Chelsea and Wales striker Hughes paid tribute to his son in a statement released by the LMA, which read: "Jill and I are totally heartbroken by the sudden and unexpected loss of our beloved son Alex.
"Alex was a wonderful son, brother to Curtis and Xenna, devoted husband and father to Jessica and their two beautiful children, Sebastian and Leonardo.
"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.
"We ask for privacy during this sad time as we come to terms with our family's loss.
"The Hughes family."
A statement posted on the Grimsby website on Sunday read: "Everyone at Grimsby is devastated to learn of the sudden and unexpected passing of our player recruitment lead, Alex Hughes.
"Alex was a devoted husband, proud father, beloved son, brother and friend, and a highly valued member of the Grimsby family.
"Alex joined the Mariners in 2025 and quickly became a valued and highly respected member of the football club.
"Working closely with head coach David Artell and the football department, he played an important role in shaping the club's recruitment strategy and supporting the continued development of the men's first-team squad.
"The thoughts and heartfelt condolences of everyone at Grimsby are with Alex's wife Jessica, his children Sebastian and Leonardo, his parents Mark and Jill, his brother Curtis, his sister Xenna, and all of his family, friends and loved ones during this incredibly difficult time.
"The club respectfully asks that the privacy of Alex's family is respected as they come to terms with their loss."
