What was meant to be a day outdoors in Malibu turned into a heartbreaking tragedy.
Sophia Hutchins, best known for her close relationship with Caitlyn Jenner, lost her life far too soon after a horrifying ATV crash on July 2. She was just 29 years old.
Authorities say the vehicle she was riding plunged a staggering 350 feet down a cliff after it reportedly struck the bumper of another car.
The accident occurred on a winding, mountainous road—a path known for its sharp turns and steep drop-offs.
Cause of Death Confirmed
Nearly two weeks after the accident, Sophia’s cause of death was officially confirmed.
According to a report obtained by People from the Los Angeles County Department of Public Health, Sophia died from “multiple blunt force injuries.”
Her death has been ruled accidental, though the case remains open as investigators continue to look into the circumstances.
Final Goodbye Planned
Sophia will be laid to rest on July 24 at Holy Cross Catholic Cemetery in Los Angeles.
The service is expected to be a deeply emotional one, especially for those who knew her closely during her time in the public eye and behind the scenes.
From Reality TV to Business Leadership
Many first got to know Sophia when she appeared on the reality series I Am Cait, which documented Caitlyn Jenner’s life after her transition.
Although the show ran for just two seasons, it spotlighted Sophia as a steady and familiar presence beside Caitlyn.
But Sophia wasn’t just a reality TV personality.
She took on a leadership role in Jenner’s life and career, eventually becoming the CEO and director of the Caitlyn Jenner Foundation.
By 2017, she had moved into Jenner’s home and began managing her professionally—a role previously held by Kris Jenner.
Details of the Crash
Sources close to the situation told DailyMail.com that the fatal crash happened when Sophia’s 2013 Polaris ATV was driving beside a Mazda.
It’s believed she was speeding when her vehicle hit the Mazda’s bumper.
The collision sent the ATV veering off the cliff, dropping into a ravine 350 feet below.
First responders pronounced Sophia dead at the scene.
Thankfully, the two people in the car that was struck were unharmed.
A Decade-Long Bond
Sophia had been part of Caitlyn Jenner’s inner circle since 2015—the same year Caitlyn publicly came out as transgender.
While their bond was often the subject of speculation, both women made it clear over the years that their connection was never romantic.
In an interview with The New York Times, Sophia said plainly, “Caitlyn is a parent to me… It’s a parental, familial relationship.”
Their partnership was rooted in friendship, trust, and business, not romance.
Ties to the Kardashian-Jenner Family
Despite not being romantically linked to Caitlyn, Sophia had a warm relationship with the wider Kardashian-Jenner family.
She stayed close to Kris Jenner and regularly kept in touch with her.
She also had a strong bond with Kendall and Kylie Jenner, who once gifted her a heart-shaped diamond necklace for Christmas.
“I’m on good terms with all the family,” she once said, “but I’m closest with Kris, Kim, Kylie and Kendall.”
In 2020, Sophia even appeared in an ad campaign for Kim Kardashian’s fashion brand, SKIMS, showcasing their ongoing support for her.
Their Last Public Outing
Sophia’s final public appearance with Caitlyn came in April 2024, when she joined her at the White House Correspondents’ Dinner in Washington, D.C.
It was a glamorous evening that now serves as a bittersweet memory of their enduring friendship.
Echoes of a Past Tragedy
This isn’t the first time Caitlyn Jenner has faced the pain of a deadly crash.
Back in 2015, she was involved in a four-car collision on the Pacific Coast Highway in Malibu that tragically killed 70-year-old Kim Howe.
Although Jenner wasn’t criminally charged, authorities determined she had been driving too fast.
Civil lawsuits followed, which were later settled out of court.
Remembering Sophia
Sophia Hutchins may have left the world far too soon, but her impact will not be forgotten.
Whether through her TV appearances, her role in transgender advocacy, or her behind-the-scenes leadership in Caitlyn Jenner’s world, she was a dynamic figure who left a lasting mark.
Her loss is deeply felt—not just by the Jenner family, but by everyone who followed her journey over the past decade.