Former AFL player Mark Hutchings’ partner has died suddenly after suffering a cardiac arrest just two days after the birth of their daughter, Sofia.
Hannah Camplin, a 36-year-old intensive care nurse, had experienced a healthy pregnancy and an uncomplicated delivery before her unexpected death at a Perth hospital on September 9.
The new mother had reportedly been overjoyed to welcome Sofia, fulfilling her long-held wish to have a child, when she suffered the sudden medical emergency without warning.
Her death has left Hutchings and Ms Camplin’s family heartbroken as they struggle to understand how a healthy woman could die so unexpectedly after giving birth.
Hutchings waited two weeks before sharing news of the tragedy publicly, spending that time caring for his newborn daughter while coming to terms with his own devastating loss.
He announced Ms Camplin’s death in a deeply emotional tribute, describing her as his “beautiful partner” and reflecting on how much becoming a mother had meant to her.
“It is with deep sadness that I share the sudden loss of my beautiful partner, Hannah … two days following the birth of our daughter, Sofia,” he wrote.
“I am shattered. Her dream was to become a Mum, so it’s been incredibly difficult to take.”
“Sofia and I love you and will miss you very much Hannah.”
Hannah Camplin, 36, had a healthy pregnancy and straightforward delivery before her sudden death at a Perth hospital on September 9
Mark Hutchings shared an emotional tribute to his “beautiful partner”, saying motherhood had always been Hannah Camplin’s dream
Hutchings represented West Coast in 120 AFL matches, including the Eagles’ 2018 premiership victory. He retired from professional football in 2021 and later began working in real estate.
Ms Camplin worked as an intensive care nurse at Royal Perth Hospital and was also involved with the facility’s trauma research unit.
Her sister, Lucy Heke, visited the family in hospital after Sofia’s birth and said Hannah appeared completely at ease in her new role as a mother.
“Sofia is absolutely beautiful, and Hannah had taken to motherhood like a duck to water. She just looked very happy and content,” Ms Heke told The West Australian.
Hutchings’ close friend, Perth businessman Jarred Briotti, and his wife, Meagan, had welcomed their son Tanner only days before Sofia was born.
Ms Camplin and Mrs Briotti had been lifelong friends and had looked forward to raising their children together as the babies grew up.
Now, the Briottis have promised to support Hutchings in every way possible as he navigates life as a single father without Ms Camplin.
Sharing a photograph of the two fathers holding their babies, Mr Briotti also used social media to tell his longtime friend how proud he was of him.
Hutchings’ close friend Jarred Briotti and his wife Meagan welcomed their son Tanner shortly before Sofia was born
Now Mr and Mrs Briotti have vowed to remain by Hutchings’ side as he faces parenthood without Ms Camplin
‘Words can’t describe the last few weeks, though this man has taken to being a father like a duck to water,’ he wrote.
‘I am so proud of you, mate.
‘Tanner & Sofia – best mates for life, like us.
‘Hannah would be looking down smiling, knowing how much you’ve got this.’
Ms Camplin’s cousin, Alys, revealed she had been speaking to her only hours before her death.
‘I’m so sorry, I feel this so deep in my soul,’ she wrote beneath Hutchings’ tribute.
‘I was speaking with her just a few hours prior. I can’t stop thinking about her, and you and the baby.
‘Sending love from across the pond. My gorgeous, hilarious and kind cousin will be so sorely missed. Absolutely senseless tragedy.’
The exact cause of Ms Camplin’s sudden death remains a mystery, with her family warned they could face a year-long wait for answers
The 36-year-old will be farewelled at Fremantle Cemetery’s West Chapel on October 8
The exact cause of Ms Camplin’s sudden death remains a mystery, with her family warned they could face a year-long wait for answers.
‘The initial investigation was inconclusive. It could be a year before they can get the full reasoning as to what happened,’ Ms Heke said.
Ms Camplin’s family are now preparing for her funeral.
The 36-year-old will be farewelled at Fremantle Cemetery’s West Chapel on October 8.
For now, the couple’s families have rallied around Hutchings and newborn Sofia.
‘Us, and Mark’s family, are supporting each other and supporting Mark,’ Mrs Heke said.
READ MORE: Tragic mum Krystal Pitt, 24, died just 10 days after giving birth to her second child when she suddenly had a heart attack as she queued up at a Perth post office: ‘You never know when your last day will be’