In September, the vice-captain of the Blades, who was 27, passed away. Although the police concluded that there were no suspicious circumstances, United granted the midfielder’s family’s request to investigate, and an independent third party concluded that the club had committed no wrongdoing.
According to a club statement:
“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 served as United’s marketing executive in addition to being the team’s longest-serving member and the first player to surpass a century of appearances. Deborah Cusack, the mother of Cusack, claimed that things had altered earlier this year and blamed football for her passing. At her funeral, she stated: “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.”
Neither the Maddy Cusack Foundation, established in her memory, nor the player’s family have released a statement. United emphasized that they intend to continue collaborating with the foundation going forward, stating: “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.”