Police say death of Sheffield United star Maddy Cusack is not being treated as suspicious after her

Publish date: 2024-08-03

Police say the sudden death of Sheffield United star Maddy Cusack is not being treated as suspicious.

Maddy’s shock death at the age of 27 stunned the world of women’s football last week.

Derbyshire Police confirmed officers were called to an address in Horsley just after 6.35pm last Wednesday where she was pronounced dead at the scene.

Officers are now helping prepare a file for Chesterfield Coroner in Derbyshire.

A force spokesperson said: ‘A woman, in her 20s, was pronounced dead at the scene.

‘Her family are aware and are being supported by specialist officers.

Sheffield United announced that its star midfielder, Maddy Cusack had died at the age of 27

Sheffield United announced that its star midfielder, Maddy Cusack had died at the age of 27

Flowers in memory of Sheffield United Women's player Maddy Cusack after her death last week

Flowers in memory of Sheffield United Women’s player Maddy Cusack after her death last week

Floral tributes in club colours were left to remember Maddy at the Blades grounds by wellwishers

Floral tributes in club colours were left to remember Maddy at the Blades grounds by wellwishers

The former England youth international, who was the longest-serving player in their current squad, signed a new contract extension with the club in July

The former England youth international, who was the longest-serving player in their current squad, signed a new contract extension with the club in July 

‘Her death is not being treated as suspicious, and a file is being prepared for the coroner.’

A spokesperson for Chesterfield Coroner’s Court confirmed that the death had been reported, with an inquest to be opened in due course.

Tributes were paid to the midfielder before Sheffield United’s Premier League match against Newcastle United at Bramall Lane on Sunday.

They included a minute’s silence prior to kick-off, with players wearing shirts with the number eight, to represent Cusack’s squad number.

Fans also held up signs and flags while the club flag at Bramall Lane was flown at half-mast.

England's women's team paid tribute to Sheffield United star Maddy Cusack following her shock death at the age of 27

England’s women’s team paid tribute to Sheffield United star Maddy Cusack following her shock death at the age of 27

Cusack was seen beaming at the camera in what is believed to be the last footage of her online before her shock death

Cusack was seen beaming at the camera in what is believed to be the last footage of her online before her shock death

As silence fell upon the stadium, a black and white photo of the football star, who previously played for England's Under-19s, flashed upon the screen

As silence fell upon the stadium, a black and white photo of the football star, who previously played for England’s Under-19s, flashed upon the screen 

It comes as the FA announced it would postpone two Women's National League matches in light of the tragedy

It comes as the FA announced it would postpone two Women’s National League matches in light of the tragedy

Maddy was the longest-serving member on the Sheffield United side and was named their vice-captain last month.

The player’s devastated parents and three siblings grieved behind closed doors with extended family at their home in the Derbyshire village of Horsley.

A sister, declining to speak, said ‘it is all too raw’.  

After her death, the player’s heartbroken brother Richard Cusack paid tribute, tweeting: ‘My beautiful sister. May you rest in peace Maddy.’

Cusack’s sudden death has sparked an outpouring of grief from her ‘broken’ teammates, as well as several members of the Lionesses squad.

Cusack also worked as a marketing executive at the club, who said they were 'devastated' by her death

Cusack also worked as a marketing executive at the club, who said they were ‘devastated’ by her death

The former talented midfielder had just started her sixth season with the club

Sheffield United midfielder Maddy Cusack has died at the age of 27, the club have announced

Sheffield United legend Billy Sharp tweeted a heartfelt photo of him and Cusack celebrating the club's promotion to the Premier League

Sheffield United legend Billy Sharp tweeted a heartfelt photo of him and Cusack celebrating the club’s promotion to the Premier League

Lionesses’ captain Leah Williamson wrote: ‘Sending all my love and condolences to Maddy’s family at this awful time!’

Williamson was joined by team-mates Beth Mead, Jordan Nobbs, Beth England and Lauren Hemp in paying tribute. 

Meanwhile the FA director of women’s football, Baroness Sue Campbell, issued a statement on behalf of the Women’s national side, stating that the FA was offering it’s support to the Blades. 

She said: ‘On behalf of the FA, the Lionesses, the Women’s Super League and the Women’s Championship, our thoughts and deepest condolences are with Maddy’s family, friends, team-mates and everyone at Sheffield United.

‘Maddy also represented England at age-group level and we will pay tribute to her at an appropriate point. We are in contact with the club and will continue to offer them our full support during this incredibly sad time.’ 

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