Derbyshire Police have confirmed they are not treating Maddy Cusack’s death as suspicious after the footballer passed away last Wednesday. On Thursday morning, Sheffield United announced the tragic news that Cusack – a prominent member of their women’s team – had died at the age of 27. The Premier League club paid tribute to their player with a short memorial service before their match on Sunday against Newcastle.
Cusack made over 100 appearances for the Yorkshire outfit since joining in 2019 and was viewed as an ‘inspiration’, with tributes from her team-mates flooding in on social media. She had also worked as a marketing executive for the Premier League club since 2021 alongside her playing career.
The cause of her death is yet to be determined and the Chesterfield corner is investigating. In a statement released on Monday, Derbyshire Police said they are not treating it as suspicious.
It read: “We were called to a property in Lady Lea Road, Horsley, just after 6.35pm on Wednesday 20 September. A woman, in her 20s, was pronounced dead at the scene. Her family are aware and are being supported by specialist officers.”
The Blades planned a farewell to the midfielder to honour her memory before facing Newcastle on Sunday afternoon, with players wearing her No.8 shirt on the pitch.
There was also a a minutes’ silence held at Bramall Lane before kick-off, with a wreath laid in Cusack’s memory on the centre-circle in emotional scenes in Sheffield.
Cusack’s family were present at the game after being invited by Sheffield United and they helped lay the wreath along with women’s captain Sophie Barker and United club icon Tony Currie.
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Supporters showed their support for the Cusack family, holding up signs and banners featuring her name.
The club had said before the match: “Ahead of the Newcastle game, we will celebrate and honour the life of Maddy Cusack, a loved and respected figure of the Sheffield United family.
“There will forever be a void in the hearts of everyone connected to the club.”
United’s chief executive Stephen Bettis said it was “heartbreaking” to have lost Cusack: “This is heartbreaking news for everyone at Bramall Lane,” he said on Thursday.
“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.”
Cusack’s team-mate Sophie Haywood posted a tribute on X (formerly Twitter) writing: “I hope you know the impact you have had on me and so many others on and off the pitch. A true professional and such a genuine person. You are loved by many and will be so so missed Mads. Rest easy MC8.”
Goalkeeper Beth Davies said she was “heartbroken” after hearing of Cusack’s passing, while Defender Molly Graham added: “Absolutely devastating news. Such a great person and teammate. You will be missed hugely! Rest in peace Mads.”
Former United striker Billy Sharp, now playing for MLS club LA Galaxy, uploaded an image of the pair celebrating the club’s promotion to the Premier League and said: “Such a lovely girl, enjoyed some amazing times with Maddy and the Blades.”
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