Inquest into Maddy Cusack’s Death Faces Delays Amidst Controversy

Maddy Cusack has become Sheffield United Women’s record appearance holder, yet the club is now embroiled in controversy surrounding the inquest into her untimely death.

Cusack passed away at the age of 27 in September 2023, with police stating that the circumstances of her death were not deemed suspicious. Following her death, her family expressed concerns that pressures related to club processes and conduct, particularly involving former manager Jonathan Morgan, may have contributed to her struggles.

Originally set for April of last year, the inquest was postponed to this month but has now been rescheduled to June 29 at Chesterfield Coroners Court. The Cusack family’s legal representatives expressed profound disappointment, noting that Sheffield United submitted 699 pages of documents just before Christmas, two weeks after a deadline set for late November.

Dean Armstrong KC, representing the Cusacks, conveyed to the court the emotional toll that the late delivery of extensive documentation has had on the family, stating, “The family found themselves, already at the most difficult time in their lives, having to try and get to grips with 700 pages of material a week before Christmas for a hearing the first day after the Christmas break. We deem that unacceptable. It has had an impact on them.”

In contrast, Joseph O’Brien KC, representing Sheffield United, responded by asserting that the family’s complaints were unfounded. He emphasized that the club had made significant efforts to ensure compliance with the legal process, dismissing any suggestion of contributing to the delay.

The coroner acknowledged that procedural requirements and the need for document redactions had exacerbated the delay. Following Cusack’s death, an investigation commissioned by the club found no evidence of wrongdoing. However, the Football Association has initiated its own investigation to determine if further actions are warranted.

Last year, the Cusack family raised alarms over the extensive redactions in submissions from Sheffield United and the FA, which limited access to critical information. Legal representatives from both organizations maintained that they had acted within legal frameworks.

In a recent address, Coroner Sophie Cartwright apologized to the family for the delays, stating, “You’ve been in my thoughts particularly over the Christmas period. Can I apologise to you, for the delay in bringing the inquest into Maddy’s death to a conclusion. I wish you well.”

During the autumn, Cusack’s sister Olivia conveyed the emotional difficulties posed by the inquest delays, noting, “It’s the biggest thing that’s ever happened in my life and you have no control over how that is dealt with. You want to think of her at peace and that she’s OK. But it’s hard to picture her at peace now when there’s so much chaos surrounding her death.”

The inquest will utilize more than 1,000 pages of documentation, with over 20 witnesses expected to provide testimony. Morgan, who previously coached Cusack at Leicester City, had previously raised concerns about the family’s witnesses, labeling them as biased. Allegations had been made regarding a “climate of concern and fear” at Sheffield United prior to her death, with one witness citing that Morgan referred to one of his players as “cancerous.”

In February 2024, Sheffield United terminated Morgan’s contract, citing new information about his conduct with players at prior clubs. He will represent himself during the upcoming inquest, which is slated to span two weeks.