Caitlyn Jenner is sharing an update on her grief.
The 75-year-old has spoken publicly for the first time about the death of her friend Sophia Hutchins, who died in July in an ATV accident.
“Recently my good friend Sophia passed away in a tragic accident,” Caitlyn said during a recent appearance on FOX News, which aired on FOX News @ Night. “But for the last seven weeks, I’ve been dealing with death, and it’s so difficult.”
The Olympian then reflected on the August 27 shooting at Minneapolis’ Annunciation Catholic School, which killed students Fletcher Merkel, 8, and Harper Moyski, 10, and left many others wounded.
“So when this happened, it really hit me hard,” Caitlyn said of the devastating attack. “Because here I am dealing with my grief, and I just can’t even imagine parents who dropped their kid off at school and, like that father just said, ‘I’ll never get a chance to talk to him again.’ That is I just so horrible.”
She continued, “And I’ve been dealing with grief, and these people have a long road ahead of them, and they’re going to be dealing with grief.”
Sophia was not only Caitlyn’s longtime friend, but also her manager before her tragic passing at age 29. The County of Los Angeles Medical Examiner’s Office confirmed in a report that her cause of death was multiple blunt force injuries and that the manner of death was accidental.
In the moments before the fatal July 2 incident, Sophia rear-ended a 2016 Mazda sedan while driving a 2013 Polaris four-wheeler in the mountains of Malibu, the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department told the Daily Mail, before falling off a 350-foot cliff.
“It doesn’t seem like she was following them,” Malibu/Lost Hills Sergeant Eduardo Saucedo explained to the outlet, noting that two individuals in the Mazda remained unharmed. “I think she just came up on them and then hit the car.”
“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.”
For Caitlyn—who only previously alluded to going through “tough times” in the wake of Sophia’s death—she’s lost a friend who has been by her side for over a decade after the pair were first introduced by a makeup artist.
As Sophia told The New York Times in 2019, “Having a similar sense of humor, we spent the entire time laughing and ended up meeting for brunch. We’ve been great friends ever since.”
And soon enough, Sophia became Caitlyn’s manager. “She is one of the top minds in her field,” Caitlyn said to the NYT. “Her value in my life is undeniable. The sky is the limit with her entrepreneurial spirit.”
For a look back at Caitlyn and Sophia’s 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.
