Maddy Cusack update as Sheffield United reveals death probe findings after ‘spirit was allowed to be broken by football’

SHEFFIELD United’s probe into the death of Maddy Cusack has found “no evidence of wrongdoing”.

The Blades midfielder and vice-captain died at her home address in Derbyshire on September 20, aged 27.

PAMaddy Cusack died at her home address in Derbyshire on September 20, aged 27[/caption]

GettyThe midfielder and vice-captain was the longest-serving player in their squad[/caption]

Derbyshire Police said there were no suspicious circumstances surrounding her death.

The club launched a “thorough external investigation” after her family claimed her spirit “was allowed to be broken” by football.

A statement from Sheffield United said: “Following a thorough review of the valuable input provided by each of the key witnesses put forward by Maddy’s family and the Club, the investigation has found no evidence of wrongdoing.

“The 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.”

Prior to her death, Cusack had just started her sixth season with the Blades in the Women’s Championship and was the longest-serving player in their squad, with over 100 appearances.

The former England youth international signed a new contract extension with the Blades in July and also worked as a marketing executive for the club.

A speech, read by her mum, Deborah, at a memorial service in October said: “My beautiful daughter, Madeleine.

“The saddest and most utterly heart-breaking reason why I am having to stand here and speak to you today is because of football.

“From February this year, the indomitable, irrepressible spirit, the spirit called Maddy, the spirit that we had so fiercely protected, was allowed to be broken, taking her away from me.”

In an additional statement the family revealed Sheffield United had agreed to appoint a firm to carry out a probe into the events surrounding Maddy’s death.

The statement said: “Those 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’t know her need to know that.

“Maddy was a happy-go-lucky, care-free girl with everything to live for and last Christmas could be described as being at her happiest.

“This all changed gradually from February this year.

“It is no secret, nor should it be, that Sheffield United have agreed, at the request of Maddy’s family, to carry out a thorough external investigation into the events that her family believe contributed significantly to her passing at the tender age of 27.

“The Maddy Cusack Foundation — Fierce, Determined and Spirited #MC8.”