Sheffield United have revealed the death of 27-year-old player Maddy Cusack.
The midfielder has been praised as a popular member of the Blades squad, juggling her on-field duties with a marketing role at the club. The club was ‘devastated’ to learn of Cusack’s death barely four years after she joined the women’s team, according to a statement released on Thursday.
“This is heartbreaking news for everyone at Bramall Lane,” said chief executive officer Stephen Bettis. “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.”
Cusack came through the Nottingham Forest academy before joining Aston Villa in 2012. She relocated to Pittsburgh five years later, where she solidified her status as a pleasant character after taking on a marketing post in 2021.
The soccer player was praised as a ‘valued colleague’ at Bramall Lane for her contributions across the board. At this time, the cause of death is unknown.
Another of Cusack’s former clubs, Birmingham City, responded to the news by saying those at St Andrew’s were ‘saddened’ by the news. Yorkshire Live journalist Nathan Hemmingham commented that Cusack “always had a smile on her face and [was] great company.”
In her four years with Sheffield United, Cusack made more than 100 appearances for the club and was part of the team that finished eighth in the Women’s Championship last season. She joined during the club’s first campaign in England’s second tier and very rarely missed minutes in her four-and-a-half-year tenure.
Hemmingham praised Cusack as the first player to reach 100 appearances for United, with one fan writing: “She embodied the spirit of the club.” Sheffield United confirmed tributes celebrating the player’s life ‘will continue privately’.
