In a devastating turn of events, Sophia Hutchins, best known for her closeness to Caitlyn Jenner as her best friend and longtime manager, has died following a horrific ATV accident in Malibu. The 29-year-old tragically plunged 350 feet down a ravine after reportedly clipping the bumper of a moving car near Jenner’s California home. The impact sent her and the quad bike tumbling down the cliffside. First responders confirmed Hutchins was pronounced dead at the scene.
The shocking accident has sent ripples through both the Hollywood community and the Kardashian-Jenner orbit, where Sophia Hutchins was a well-known and respected figure. Though early reports haven’t confirmed whether Caitlyn Jenner was home at the time, the loss of someone so deeply embedded in her life is sure to be a heartbreaking blow, per The Daily Mail.
Sophia and Caitlyn’s relationship was one of the most unique in the spotlight — deeply close, often misunderstood, but always loyal. They met in 2015, the same year Caitlyn publicly came out as a transgender woman, and quickly became inseparable. Sophia later moved into Caitlyn’s Malibu mansion, taking over as her manager, a role previously filled by Caitlyn’s ex-wife, Kris Jenner, and helping guide her post-Kardashian media career.
Caitlyn Jenner’s Best Friend And Manager Sophia Hutchins Dead At 29
Sophia, like Caitlyn, was transgender and always credited Jenner’s bravery for inspiring her own transition. Speaking to her college newspaper in 2016, Sophia said watching Caitlyn’s iconic 20/20 special helped her confront years of questions. “It made it so much more real,” she explained. “College gave me the time to deal with a lot of issues that had always been there.”
Despite constant rumors of romance, Sophia was always clear that her bond with Caitlyn wasn’t romantic, it was something else entirely. “Caitlyn is a parent to me. I have said that a million times. It is a parental, familial relationship,” she told The New York Times, brushing off the gossip with grace.
Fans might also remember Sophia from her appearances on I Am Cait, the short-lived but groundbreaking reality series that gave a glimpse into life post-transition for the former Olympian. Hutchins was a fixture in the show and became a familiar face to viewers as Jenner’s right-hand woman.
Sophia wasn’t just close to Caitlyn, she was deeply embedded in the broader Kardashian circle. She maintained strong ties with Kris Jenner and was particularly close to Kendall and Kylie. At one point, the sisters even gifted her a heart-shaped diamond necklace for Christmas. “I’m on good terms with all the family, but I’m closest with Kris, Kim, Kylie, and Kendall,” Sophia said during a previous interview.
Sophia Was More Than Caitlyn’s Sidekick
More recently, Sophia made headlines for her conservative political views and vocal support for Donald Trump. In fact, one of her final public appearances was at the White House Correspondents Dinner in April 2024, where she accompanied Caitlyn. Last year, she met Trump himself and posed in front of the American flag with the caption: “The energy, passion, and commitment for our movement to Save America has never been greater! We will never give up.”
Her sudden passing comes almost a decade after Caitlyn’s own tragic car accident on the Pacific Coast Highway, a chilling echo that’s sure to weigh heavy on her heart. While Caitlyn was cleared of criminal wrongdoing in that crash, the emotional aftermath lingered for years.
Sophia’s final Instagram post came in April — a photo of a broken candelabra she’d repaired, symbolic in hindsight. It’s a haunting reminder of how fragile life really is, and how quickly things can change.
In the wake of this tragedy, fans, friends, and followers alike are mourning the loss of a vibrant, outspoken, and influential young woman who lived life boldly. Sophia Hutchins may have only been 29, but her impact, particularly in the LGBTQ+ community and in Caitlyn Jenner’s life, will not be forgotten.
Nina Franklin 
Emma Taylor 
Kenna Raye 
