Sophia Hutchins: Redefining Success, Identity, and Advocacy

On July 2, 2025, the world lost Sophia Hutchins—an entrepreneur, LGBTQ+ advocate, and a dear friend of Caitlyn Jenner—in a tragic ATV accident in Malibu. She was only 29 years old. The shock of her untimely death resonated deeply within the business and entertainment circles, but it was her admirers who felt the most profound loss. Sophia was known for her quiet strength, entrepreneurial drive, and genuine authenticity, leaving a significant void in the hearts of those who looked up to her.

A Rising Star with a Clear Vision

Sophia Hutchins is widely recognized as the founder and CEO of LUMASOL, a health and beauty startup that transformed sunscreen into a lightweight, mist-on skincare experience. For Sophia, LUMASOL represented more than just a brand; it was a reflection of her personal journey towards wellness, confidence, and self-care. Her approach was refreshingly contemporary—tech-savvy, health-focused, and designed with the younger generation in mind. This innovative vision quickly attracted the attention of investors and influencers, allowing her to carve out a unique space in the fiercely competitive beauty industry.

However, what truly sets Sophia apart is her deep commitment to advocacy. As the former CEO and director of the Caitlyn Jenner Foundation, she played a pivotal role in directing grants and resources to uplift transgender individuals—providing not just visibility, but real support to a community that often goes underserved.

More Than a Footnote: Hutchins and Jenner

Sophia’s name often came up alongside Caitlyn Jenner, the former Olympian and reality star, with whom she shared a Malibu home and a long-standing professional connection. Their paths crossed in 2015 while filming I Am Cait, the Emmy-nominated documentary series that followed Jenner’s journey through gender transition.

As time went on, Sophia stepped into the role of Jenner’s manager, taking charge of her public appearances and charitable initiatives. Their partnership fueled endless tabloid speculation, but Sophia kept her cool, frequently using interviews and social media to set the record straight about their non-romantic relationship. Her approach to these rumors—calm, straightforward, and never overblown—was a defining feature of how she navigated the often tumultuous world of celebrity media.

In a 2019 chat with Good Morning Britain, Sophia stood her ground against intrusive questions from Piers Morgan, who pressed her about her connection with Jenner. After the interview, she took to social media to call out the conversation as inappropriate, firmly establishing her boundaries. That moment, though brief, spoke volumes: Sophia was not one to let others dictate her story.

A Trans Woman in the Spotlight

Sophia Hutchins’ journey as a transgender woman has always been a significant part of her narrative, but it’s far from the entire picture. She came out while studying at Pepperdine University, where she earned her degree in economics and finance. Her transition was not just a personal journey; it was also deliberate and visible. In a society that often struggles to grasp transgender experiences, Sophia stood out as a powerful example of transitioning with intention, clarity, and professionalism.

Unlike many public figures, Sophia didn’t embrace a victim mentality. Instead, she built a life grounded in independence and creativity. She shared her story openly, but never allowed it to overshadow her ambitions. “I want to be seen as a businesswoman first,” she stated in an interview—an aspiration she has certainly achieved.

A Life Cut Short

Sophia’s passing hit everyone like a ton of bricks. Reports from TMZ reveal that she was riding an ATV down a residential road in Malibu when she collided with another vehicle. The impact sent her ATV tumbling about 350 feet into a ravine. Sadly, first responders declared her dead at the scene, though, incredibly, the people in the other vehicle walked away without a scratch.

She was just 29 years old.

In the wake of her tragic death, heartfelt tributes began to flood in—from colleagues in the industry, LGBTQ+ advocates, and fans who admired Sophia for her unique mix of elegance and strength. “Sophia was the real deal,” one beauty executive shared on LinkedIn. “She wasn’t just creating a brand—she was paving the way for a new, open, and powerful way of living.”

A Legacy That Lives On

Sophia Hutchins was more than just a résumé; she was a beacon of resilience, intelligence, and courage. She demonstrated that it’s possible to be ambitious and vulnerable, to maintain privacy while being public, and to embrace your transgender identity while being so much more than just that label.

Through her work with the Caitlyn Jenner Foundation, she made a real difference in the lives of countless individuals, helping them access hormone therapy, housing, and legal support. Her brand, LUMASOL, transformed the perception of wellness products, making them feel both innovative and essential. And her voice—always calm, confident, and genuine—set a new benchmark for what it means to be a young entrepreneur in today’s social media landscape.

Though her time with us was heartbreakingly brief, Sophia Hutchins lived with intention and purpose. She leaves behind not just cherished memories, but also a powerful momentum for the causes she fought for, the lives she impacted, and the trail she blazed for others to follow.

May she rest in peace, and may her story continue to inspire us all.

Image Credit: Instagram