Maddy Cusack’s ‘irrepressible spirit’ was broken by football say family as they pay heartbreaking tribute to star and confirm Sheffield United will investigate tragic death

Cusack, the vice-captain of the Blades, was the first player to make 100 appearances for the women's squad and the longest-serving member of the team. On September 20, the 27-year-old passed away at her home in Horsley, Derbyshire. Derbyshire Police declared at the time that there were no suspicious circumstances surrounding her death. Nevertheless, a statement given by her mother Deborah at a funeral ceremony in October has finally been made public by her family and uploaded on the JustGiving page of the Maddy Cusack Foundation. The family released an additional statement in addition to the speech, stating that Sheffield United have agreed to conduct an inquiry into the circumstances surrounding Maddy's passing.

“My beautiful daughter, Madeleine. The saddest and most utterly heartbreaking reason why I am having to stand here and speak to you today is because of football," read the statement on X.

"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.

"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."

It has also been revealed that Sheffield United have opened an investigation into the death of their former vice-captain.

"Maddy 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," read the statement.

"It is no secret, nor should it be, that Sheffield United Football Club 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."

Last month, the Blades also launched a formal investigation into the club's, then-coach, Jonathan Morgan. However, the reason behind the investigation hadn't been revealed as the manager stepped away from his post following the inquiry.

An inquest into Cusack's untimely passing was opened at Derby Coroner’s Court in October and adjourned, with the cause of death yet to be established. Her family will now wait for the results of the investigation from Sheffield United which will look into the events they believe "contributed significantly" to her tragic death.