Maddy Cusack: Investigation into Sheffield United midfielder's death finds no evidence of wrongdoing

The Blades vice-captain passed away at the age of 27 in September. Police ruled that there were no suspicious circumstances, but United agreed to conduct an inquiry at the request of the midfielder's family and the independent third party has found that there was no wrongdoing on the club's part.

A statement from the club read: "At the request of and with cooperation from Maddy's family, we appointed an independent third party to carry out a formal investigation into concerns the family raised about processes and conduct at the Club. 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."

Cusack was the first player to reach a century of appearances for the club and, as well as being the longest-serving member of the team, she acted as United's marketing executive. Cusack's mother, Deborah, blamed football for her death and said that things changed earlier this year. Speaking at her funeral, she said: "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."

There has been no statement from the player's family or the Maddy Cusack Foundation, which was set up after her passing. United insisted they hope to keep working with the foundation in the future, saying: "We wish to offer support to Maddy's 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."