Caitlyn Jenner, a prominent figure in both reality television and conservative circles, has emerged in public for the first time since a heartbreaking loss. The somber scene in Malibu speaks to a profound personal tragedy that has struck close to home.
According to Daily Mail, Jenner’s close friend and manager, Sophia Hutchins, perished in a devastating ATV accident on Wednesday near Jenner’s Malibu residence. Hutchins, only 29, plummeted 350 feet down a cliff after her vehicle reportedly collided with a moving car and was thrown into a ravine.
The accident occurred near Jenner’s secluded $3.5 million mansion in the Malibu canyons, a place where the two shared much of their personal and professional lives. Hutchins’ blue Polaris ATV was later found atop a rusty vehicle, also seemingly lost to the same treacherous drop. The two individuals in the car struck by Hutchins escaped without injury, but she was pronounced dead at the scene by first responders.
On Thursday, just hours after the tragedy, Jenner was spotted in Malibu, her expression hidden behind dark shades, dressed simply in a blue shirt and shorts. She appeared visibly shaken, waving briefly at photographers before retreating to her home. Her brief comment to reporters, admitting to going through “tough times,” underscored the depth of her grief.
Jenner’s reluctance to discuss the incident further was evident as she stated, “I don’t want to talk” about the loss. Her stern demeanor while stepping out near the crash site, where skid marks and the terrifying cliff face remain as grim reminders, painted a picture of quiet mourning.
Hutchins and Jenner shared a bond that spanned over a decade, beginning when they met in 2015, the year Jenner publicly came out as a transgender woman. Hutchins, also transgender, often credited Jenner as her inspiration for transitioning during her college years at Pepperdine University in 2016. Their relationship, while often misunderstood, was rooted in a deep, familial connection rather than romance, as both repeatedly clarified over the years.
Since 2017, Hutchins has lived in Jenner’s Malibu home and served as her manager, stepping into a role previously held by Jenner’s ex-wife, Kris Jenner, after their 2015 divorce. Beyond management, Hutchins was the CEO of the Caitlyn Jenner Foundation, a nonprofit aimed at combating discrimination against transgender individuals. She once told PEOPLE in 2021, “I feel blessed that we are able to work together,” highlighting the professional synergy they shared.
Their friendship extended into the public eye through appearances on the reality series “I Am Cait,” a spin-off of “Keeping Up With The Kardashians,” where Hutchins featured prominently. Despite living under one roof, Hutchins emphasized to The New York Times that they were “never romantically involved,” describing their bond as “parental, familial.”
Hutchins also forged connections with Jenner’s family, maintaining close ties with Kris Jenner and enjoying good relationships with Kendall and Kylie Jenner. She once noted, “I’m on good terms with all the family, but I’m closest with Kris, Kim, Kylie, and Kendall,” reflecting her integration into their circle. In 2020, she even modeled for Kim Kardashian’s SKIMS clothing line, further cementing those ties.
Politically, both Jenner and Hutchins were vocal supporters of former President Donald Trump and the MAGA movement, a stance that often placed them at odds with more progressive narratives.
Their shared attendance at the 2024 White House Correspondents Dinner and celebration of Trump’s inauguration earlier this year with other conservative figures showcased their alignment on these issues. Hutchins’ last Instagram post alongside Trump, captioned with fervor for the “movement to Save America,” echoed their joint commitment.
Yet, beyond politics, their personal story was one of mutual support and shared experiences. Hutchins, who graduated with a degree in economics and finance from Pepperdine in 2018 while managing Jenner, once explained her role: “I saw nobody was managing her, and there were all these people taking massive advantage.” Her initiative to step in was driven by a protective instinct for Jenner’s well-being.
Over the years, the pair traveled together, enjoyed vacations in Greece and Mexico, and attended high-profile events like the Vanity Fair Oscar Party. Their quieter moments, spent celebrating holidays like Christmas and Thanksgiving in Malibu, offered a glimpse into a life away from the spotlight. Hutchins often described living with Jenner as akin to “living with your parents,” a testament to their unique, non-romantic partnership.
This tragedy is not the first time Jenner has faced loss tied to a vehicular accident. Nine years ago, she was involved in a fatal crash on the Pacific Coast Highway in Malibu, which resulted in the death of 70-year-old Kim Howe. Though not charged, an investigation found Jenner was driving too fast, leading to settled civil lawsuits.
Hutchins’ passing leaves a void in Jenner’s life, both personally and professionally. From managing Jenner’s career to leading initiatives through the Caitlyn Jenner Foundation, her impact was significant. Even her own venture, the now-defunct sunscreen brand LUMASOL, bore the imprint of their collaborative spirit, with Jenner often featured in its promotions.
