OBITUARY
Sheffield United’s Maddy Cusack dies at 27
The English Women’s Championship club have announced the sad passing of the midfielder, who represented England at age-group level.
English club Sheffield United have announced the death of player Maddy Cusack at the age of just 27. The midfielder had just signed a new one-year contract extension at the club, who play in the Women’s Championship team, and was named as one of the team captains last month. She sadly passed away on Wednesday 20 September.
Respected player and marketing executive
Despite her age, Cusack had already become an important part of the Sheffield United’s history after joining the club in 2019. Last season, she passed the 100-game mark with The Blades and was the longest-serving member of the roster. As well as being a respected player for the women’s team, she also worked in the offices at Bramall Lane as a marketing executive.
Sheffield United chief executive Stephen Bettis commented: “This is heartbreaking news for everyone at Bramall Lane. 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.”
Tributes pour in for Maddy Cusack
Aston Villa, Birmingham and Leicester City, her former clubs, have also mourned her loss, while Baroness Sue Campbell, the English Football Association’s Director of Women’s Football, issued the following statement following the passing of Cusack, who played for England’s youth teams:
“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.”
Sheffield United have not revealed any details regarding the cause of death. “Discussions over suitable tributes and celebrating Maddy’s life will continue privately. The Club and Maddy’s family would appreciate a period of privacy and will not comment further at this sad time”, the club stated on its website.