More has come to light in Sophia Hutchins’ unexpected passing.
After Caitlyn Jenner’s longtime friend and manager died in an ATV crash in Southern California on July 2, authorities shared insight into what led up to the accident.
Hutchins—who was driving a 2013 Polaris four-wheeler—rear-ended a 2016 Mazda sedan in the mountains of Malibu before falling off a 350-foot cliff, the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department told the Daily Mail.
“It doesn’t seem like she was following them,” Malibu/Lost Hills Sergeant Eduardo Saucedo—who added that there were two uninjured females in the car—told the outlet. “I think she just came up on them and then hit the car.”
“So it looked like she tried to maneuver to go around it,” he continued, “but she was going too fast and just ended up clipping the rear end of that Mazda, causing her to veer off and go off the cliff there.”
The ATV still remains in the ravine below, according to Saucedo, who noted that the “tow company didn’t have a line that was long enough to attach it and pull it up.”
E! News has reached out to the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department and the Malibu/Lost Hills Sheriff’s Station for comment and has not yet heard back.
Jenner shared with the outlet that she’s been navigating “tough times,” but declined to reflect further on the incident.
The Olympian’s deep bond with the 29-year-old blossomed a decade ago when they were introduced by a makeup artist.
“Having a similar sense of humor, we spent the entire time laughing and ended up meeting for brunch,” Hutchins told The New York Times in 2019. “We’ve been great friends ever since.”
When Jenner, 75, had a vacancy in her professional team, her pal stepped in as her manager.
“I saw nobody was managing her, and there were all these people taking massive advantage,” she continued. “I was saying, ‘Caitlyn, if I don’t step in here and start managing you, you’re going to go broke.'”
It was a winning match as Jenner said in a statement to the NYT at the time that Hutchins had become her “best friend, family and confidant.”
“She is one of the top minds in her field,” she gushed. “Her value in my life is undeniable. The sky is the limit with her entrepreneurial spirit.”
For a look back at Jenner and Hutchins’ friendship, keep reading.
Oscars Bash
Cait and Sophia attended the 2020 Vanity Fair Oscar Party at the Wallis Annenberg Center for the Performing Arts.
Family Affair
“Love partying with family! Oscars 2020 @vanityfair party!” Cait posted from inside the VF bash in February 2020.
Photobooth Fun
“Such a great party last night to celebrate an amazing woman and her genius brands! @kylieskin is going to be soooo amazing!! Happy launch day!” Sophia posted following the star-studded bash.
Birthday Celebration
“Happy Birthday to my little Sophia!” Cait posted. “It was a great night last night. So few candles.”
Greek Goddesses
“Great trip to Greece. Athens is a beautiful city with great people and a rich history. Thank you for a wonderful trip!” Caitlyn posted.
Flower Power
“So blessed – life is good.”
Power Posse
Cait and Sophia mingle with Eva Longoria and Eiza Gonzalez at The Hollywood Reporter‘s Empowerment In Entertainment Event 2019 at Milk Studios in L.A.
Ladies Who Lunch
“Lunch squad. We have the best neighbors and friends!” Sophia posted on IG.
Giving Back
“Last night, on behalf of the @caitlynjennerfdn we are honored to continue our support of St. John’s transgender health program this holiday season,” Caitlyn shared.
Happy Holidays
“From our little pre-Christmas party last night! Only 6 days until Christmas!!” Sophia posted on Instagram.
Christmas Cuties
Cait and Sophia bonded with Kendall Jenner at the Kardashians’ annual Christmas Eve party.
Matching in Winter White
“Thank you @kimkardashian Kanye @krisjenner for hosting this amazing Christmas Eve winter wonderland party last night! Truly magical!” Sophia shared post-party.
Sweet Selfie
The pals snap a sweet selfie.
Tour of Kindness
“Next stop on Phoenix tour granting funds for our very deserving community,” Sophia wrote.
Phoenixes Rising
“Best part of our job…giving away four grants to four LGBT charities today in Phoenix! @drbobparsons @reneelparsons,” Sophia shared.
Lipkit Lovers
“So proud of my @kyliejenner for all of her hard work and dedication to @kyliecosmetics !!! Also, Sophia and I are loving this new gloss – shade DIVA.”
Girls’ Night Out
“@officialretrouve thank you for your amazing friendship and generous sponsorship of our event last night!”
Photo Booth Fun
“Had so much fun in the photo booth at @kyliejenner’s birthday party!” Cait shared.
Gala Attendees
Cait and Sophia turn heads at the Sally Awards in Beverly Hills.
Jet-Setting
The BFFs attend the LIFE+ Solidarity Gala prior to the Life Ball at Vienna’s City Hall in Austria.
Lots of Love
“Nothing but love in this photo.”
Red Carpet Ready
The duo hit another red carpet looking super glam.
Beach Babes
Caitlyn and Sophia enjoy a chili cook-off in Malibu.
