Alex Hughes died aged 38 and was the son of former Manchester United striker and ex-Carlisle manager Mark Hughes.
He held the role of player recruitment lead at Grimsby Town FC at the time of his passing and had built a respected career in football.
Alex Hughes, who was 38, was Grimsby’s player recruitment lead, having previously held roles at clubs including Manchester City, Fulham, Blackburn and 1860 Munich.Alex Hughes (Image: Grimsby Town)
In a statement released through the League Managers Association, Mark Hughes said: "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."
A spokesman for Grimsby Town described Alex as a valued member of the club family.
He said: "Everyone at Grimsby Town Football Club 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 Town 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."
Alex Hughes began working at Grimsby in July last year. He joined the club after five months as head of scouting at Morecambe.
Before that, he served as director of football at AFC Fylde.
His career included roles at several professional clubs, and he was known for his professionalism and deep knowledge of the game.
He began his career as a performance analyst at Blackburn Rovers during the 2007/08 season, which was his father’s final year as manager of the club.
Alex Hughes went on to join Manchester City as a development analyst, later becoming a recruitment analyst.
He spent just over two years at City before leaving in August 2010.
The move came eight months after Mark Hughes was sacked from the club.
In September 2010, Alex Hughes joined Fulham as head of analysis, once again working at a club managed at the time by his father.
The death of Alex Hughes has prompted tributes from across the football world.
Those who worked with him have described him as a dedicated professional and a "genuinely good person" who made a positive impact at every club he served.
Alex Hughes is survived by his wife, Jessica, and their two young children.