No suspicious circumstances in death of footballer Maddy Cusack, police say
Sheffield United Women’s player was pronounced dead at a property in Derbyshire
Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.Police have said there are no suspicious circumstances regarding the death of the Sheffield United Women’s player Maddy Cusack.
The 27-year-old passed away on Wednesday, with her death described as “heartbreaking news” as tributes flooded in from Blades players and across FA women’s football.
Derbyshire Police said on Monday that she was pronounced dead at a property in Horsley but that the death is not being treated as suspicious.
A force spokesperson said: “We were called to a property in Lady Lea Road, Horsley, just after 6.35pm on Wednesday September 20.
“A woman, in her 20s, was pronounced dead at the scene. Her family are aware and are being supported by specialist officers.
“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.
Cusack, who also worked in the club’s commercial department, was the Blades’ current longest-serving female player and the first to reach 100 appearances.
Tributes were paid to the midfielder before Sheffield United’s Premier League match against Newcastle United at Bramall Lane on Sunday.
It 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.
“This is heartbreaking news for everyone at Bramall Lane,” Stephen Bettis, Sheffield United’s chief executive officer, said in a statement last week. “Maddy had a unique position of being part of a number of teams at Sheffield United and was popular with everyone that she came into contact with.
“Her personality and professionalism made her a credit to her family — she will be sadly missed. Whilst taking in the news and moving forward, the club will offer as much support as possible to Maddy’s family, friends and colleagues.”
Baroness Sue Campbell, FA director of women’s football, said: “We are all devastated to learn about the passing of Maddy Cusack. 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.”