{"id":300910,"date":"2023-12-18T17:24:28","date_gmt":"2023-12-18T17:24:28","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/allmysportsnews.com\/?p=300910"},"modified":"2023-12-18T17:24:28","modified_gmt":"2023-12-18T17:24:28","slug":"investigation-into-death-of-sheffield-united-footballer-maddy-cusack-finds-no-evidence-of-wrongdoing","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/allmysportsnews.com\/soccer\/investigation-into-death-of-sheffield-united-footballer-maddy-cusack-finds-no-evidence-of-wrongdoing\/","title":{"rendered":"Investigation into death of Sheffield United footballer Maddy Cusack finds no evidence of wrongdoing"},"content":{"rendered":"
Maddy Cusack made over 100 appearances for Sheffield United before her death <\/p>\n
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An investigation following the death of Sheffield United player Maddy Cusack has found no evidence of wrongdoing.<\/p>\n
Cusack, who made 110 United appearances, died at her home address in Derbyshire on September 20, aged 27. Derbyshire Police said there were no suspicious circumstances surrounding her death.<\/p>\n
United opened what they described as a third-party investigation into processes and conduct at the club after Cusack\u2019s family raised concerns.<\/p>\n
In November, the Maddy Cusack Foundation shared a speech online attributed to Cusack\u2019s mother which it said was given at a memorial service in October. The speech said Cusack\u2019s spirit \u201cwas allowed to be broken\u201d by football.<\/p>\n
However, the club announced on Monday that the investigation had now closed with no evidence found of any wrongdoing.<\/p>\n
\u201cFollowing a thorough review of the valuable input provided by each of the key witnesses put forward by Maddy\u2019s family and the club, the investigation has found no evidence of wrongdoing,\u201d the South Yorkshire club said in a statement published on their official website.<\/p>\n
\u201cThe club is always looking for ways to evolve and will reflect on the outcomes and recommendations arising from the investigation to consider how processes and policies may be improved.\u201d<\/p>\n
United said everyone at the club remained \u201cdeeply saddened\u201d by Cusack\u2019s death. She had worn the No 8 shirt \u201cwith distinction\u201d, the club said, and was a \u201cvalued and popular member\u201d of their marketing department.<\/p>\n
<\/p>\n
Maddy Cusack died aged 27 in September <\/p>\n
\u201cFollowing Maddy\u2019s death, the club provided staff with the opportunity to engage with additional external support,\u201d the club statement continued.<\/p>\n
\u201cAs part of the club\u2019s commitment to continual improvement, we have and will continue to review and expand the club-wide well-being support offered to our staff and to increase the learning and development opportunities for all staff around language and culture, welfare and mental health awareness.<\/p>\n
\u201cWe have also recently strengthened our women\u2019s and girls\u2019 structure with the addition of a new highly experienced head of women\u2019s and girls\u2019 football and other key appointments.<\/p>\n
\u201cWe wish to offer support to Maddy\u2019s family and the Maddy Cusack Foundation, MC8, and we hope to work with them to continue the lasting positive impact Maddy had on those who knew her.\u201d<\/p>\n
A speech said to have been given by Cusack\u2019s mother at a memorial in October read: \u201cThe saddest and most utterly heartbreaking reason why I am having to stand here and speak to you today is because of football.<\/p>\n
\u201cFrom February this year, the indomitable, irrepressible spirit, the spirit called Maddy, the spirit that I had so fearlessly protected was allowed to be broken. Taking her away from me.<\/p>\n
\u201cThose who knew Maddy well will be aware that she had no long-standing mental health issues or troubles. Not that there would be anything to be ashamed of if there were, but there were not. Those that didn\u2019t know her need to know that.<\/p>\n
\u201cMaddy was a happy-go-lucky, carefree girl with everything to live for and by last Christmas could be described as being at her happiest. This all changed gradually from February this year.\u201d<\/p>\n
Jonathan Morgan, the head coach of United\u2019s women\u2019s team, was understood to have been the subject of an investigation by the club. It was reported he had stepped away from his duties while an investigation was conducted. The club have been contacted for comment regarding Morgan.<\/p>\n
The Maddy Cusack Foundation has been contacted for comment following the club\u2019s statement on Monday.<\/p>\n