Sophia Hutchins, a longtime friend and business associate of Caitlyn Jenner, has died following an all-terrain vehicle (ATV) crash in California. Hutchins, 29, was known not only for her role as Jenner’s manager but also for her visibility as a transgender advocate and entrepreneur.
According to local law enforcement and TMZ, Hutchins was involved in a collision while riding an ATV near Malibu on July 2, 2025. Emergency responders confirmed her death at the scene. No other injuries were reported in the incident.
Accident Details Confirmed by Local Authorities
The Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department confirmed that the crash took place on a road near Malibu, California, on July 2, 2025. Hutchins was operating an ATV that collided with another vehicle. According to initial reports, the two occupants of the other vehicle did not sustain injuries.
First responders arrived promptly, but Hutchins was pronounced deceased at the scene. The precise cause of the crash is under investigation. (Source: TMZ, ABC News, Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department)
Early Life and Education
Sophia Hutchins was born in 1996 and grew up in Washington State. She pursued her education at Pepperdine University in Malibu, California, where she earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Economics and Finance in 2018. (Source: Pepperdine University Commencement Records)
During her university years, Hutchins became increasingly involved in LGBTQ+ advocacy. She publicly shared her experience as a transgender woman, aiming to help raise awareness and promote inclusion. (Source: The New York Times)
Professional Partnership with Caitlyn Jenner
Hutchins first met Caitlyn Jenner following Jenner’s highly publicized coming out as a transgender woman in 2015. Their professional relationship began in earnest around 2017. According to Hutchins, she stepped in to help manage Jenner’s business affairs during a transitional time in Jenner’s public and personal life.
In a 2019 New York Times interview, Hutchins explained:
“I saw nobody was managing her, and there were all these people taking massive advantage. I was saying: ‘Caitlyn, if I don’t step in here and start managing you, you’re going to go broke.’” (Source: The New York Times, 2019)
Their collaboration included managing media appearances, endorsements, and personal branding. Hutchins also appeared in the E! reality series I Am Cait, which documented Jenner’s early years following her gender transition.
Entrepreneurial Ventures
Beyond managing Jenner’s career, Hutchins was CEO and founder of the sunscreen brand LUMASOL. She described the brand as a venture that sought to make sun protection more accessible and stylish. (Source: Forbes, 2020)
Hutchins promoted LUMASOL through social media and at industry events, emphasizing both health and design. She often spoke about the importance of creating inclusive brands that reflected her values as a transgender entrepreneur.
Advocacy for the Transgender Community
Hutchins was open about her own experience transitioning, and she spoke publicly about her aim to improve understanding of transgender issues in business and media.
In interviews with The New York Times and Forbes, she highlighted the need for representation, economic empowerment, and authentic storytelling for transgender individuals.
“Caitlyn is a parent to me. I have said that a million times. It is a parental, familial relationship.” (Source: The New York Times, 2019)
Her relationship with Jenner often drew public interest, but Hutchins consistently clarified the nature of their bond. She stated in interviews and social media posts that while she cared for Jenner deeply, their relationship was strictly professional and familial in nature. (Source: The New York Times; Hutchins’ verified Instagram)
Connection with the Jenner-Kardashian Family
Hutchins was well-known within Jenner’s extended family circle. She maintained friendly relationships with Jenner’s daughters, Kendall and Kylie Jenner, and Jenner’s ex-wife, Kris Jenner. In 2020, she even appeared in a promotional campaign for Kim Kardashian’s SKIMS brand, underscoring her close ties to the family. (Source: People, 2020)
These connections often led to media speculation about the nature of her relationship with Jenner, which she repeatedly denied. Hutchins addressed the speculation directly on social media, asking followers to respect her privacy and clarifying that she dated men exclusively. (Source: Hutchins’ verified social media posts)
A Public Appearance Together in 2024
The last widely reported public appearance of Hutchins and Jenner together was at the 2024 White House Correspondents’ Dinner in Washington, D.C. They attended the event as guests, sharing photos and videos on social media. The event marked one of their final joint public outings before Hutchins’ passing. (Source: Getty Images, event coverage)
Tributes and Legacy
In the days following her death, friends, colleagues, and fans have expressed condolences and shared memories online. Although Caitlyn Jenner has not issued a public statement as of publication time, the two shared nearly a decade of professional collaboration and personal support.
Hutchins leaves behind a legacy of entrepreneurial ambition, LGBTQ+ advocacy, and public visibility. Her work helped amplify trans voices in mainstream media and highlighted the role of business leadership in fostering inclusion.
Safety and ATV Use in California
ATV safety has long been a concern in California, particularly in areas with steep terrain like Malibu. The California Department of Parks and Recreation emphasizes the importance of wearing protective gear, obeying local regulations, and being mindful of road conditions to reduce risk. (Source: California Department of Parks and Recreation)
Authorities continue to investigate the specific circumstances of the crash that led to Hutchins’ death. As with any vehicle collision, final conclusions will depend on official traffic reports and accident investigations.
Conclusion
Sophia Hutchins was more than a public figure tied to Caitlyn Jenner’s brand—she was an entrepreneur, manager, and advocate whose work helped shape more inclusive narratives in the business world. Her sudden death in a California ATV crash has shocked those who knew her, leaving friends, colleagues, and fans to remember her dedication and drive.
Her story serves as a reminder of the fragility of life and the ongoing need for safe practices in recreational vehicle use. More importantly, it highlights the power of advocacy and representation in making lasting change.
Sources:
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TMZ.com (Accident report)
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ABC News (Crash confirmation)
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Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department (incident details)
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The New York Times (2019 interview)
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Forbes (Business profile)
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People (SKIMS campaign coverage)
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Pepperdine University Commencement Records
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California Department of Parks and Recreation (ATV safety guidelines)
