The son of former Manchester United and Wales footballer Mark Hughes died from sudden adult death syndrome (SADS), an inquest has heard.

Alex Hughes, 38, who was Grimsby Town’s player recruitment lead, was found collapsed at his home in Macclesfield, Cheshire, on June 19. Despite attempts to resuscitate him, paramedics confirmed his death.

A post-mortem examination found his death was caused by sudden adult death syndrome, also known as Sudden Arrhythmic Death Syndrome (SADS).

According to the British Heart Foundation, the condition is diagnosed when a post-mortem finds no structural abnormalities in the heart, despite a fatal abnormal heart rhythm.

The charity says SADS affects about 500 people in the UK each year and “usually happens when a dangerously abnormal heart rhythm goes untreated and leads to a cardiac arrest”.

Following his son’s death, Mark Hughes said in a family statement: “Jill and I are totally heartbroken by the sudden and unexpected loss of our beloved son Alex.”

“Alex was a wonderful son, brother to Curtis and Xenna, devoted husband and father to Jessica and their two beautiful children Sebastian and Leonardo.”

Alex built a career in football recruitment, holding roles at Manchester City, Fulham, Blackburn Rovers and Grimsby Town.

Speaking this week, Grimsby manager Dave Artell paid tribute, saying: “He was good at his job, very humble. You only get one hit of this goal, in this life, and it’s not been easy. It’s just sad, really sad.”