Maddy Cusack: Investigation into Sheffield United midfielder's death finds no wrongdoing
- Published
Tributes were paid to Cusack following her death in September
An external investigation into the events leading up to the death of Maddy Cusack found no evidence of wrongdoing at Sheffield United, the club says.
Cusack, the first player to reach 100 appearances for the Blades, died in September at the age of 27.
Police did not treat her death as suspicious.
Despite there being no evidence of wrongdoing the Blades say they will "consider how processes and policies may be improved".
"The club is always looking for ways to evolve and will reflect on the outcomes and recommendations arising from the investigation," the club added.
Sheffield United said they had expanded the wellbeing support offered to their staff and increased "learning and development opportunities around language and culture, welfare and mental health awareness".
The investigation was carried out by an independent third party at the request of, and with co-operation from, Cusack's family.
Cusack, who also worked as a marketing executive at Sheffield United, joined the Women's Championship club in 2019.
In a statement via the Maddy Cusack Foundation on social media last month, her family said Cusack's spirit had been "broken" in the months before her death, later telling the BBC the pressures faced by female footballers are "way too much".
An inquest into Cusack's death was opened in October and adjourned, with the medical cause not yet established.
At the time, the club said they were "devastated" by her passing, while men's manager Paul Heckingbottom said Cusack was a "big part of everything" at the club.
Tributes were paid at football matches across the country following her death, including at Sheffield United women's and men's games, and England's fixture against Scotland.
Cusack previously played for Birmingham, Aston Villa and Nottingham Forest.
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