Sheffield United have confirmed the conclusion of an investigation into the circumstances surrounding the death of former women's player Maddy Cusack, stating that "no evidence of wrongdoing" had been found in the club's practices.
Cusack tragically lost her life at the age of 27 on September 20, sparking an outpouring of tributes from the Women's Super League community and across English football.
Police confirmed that Cusack's death was not being treated as suspicious, and in late November, the late midfielder's family confirmed that Sheffield United had agreed to an external inquiry over the events leading up to her death.
At the time, the family released a statement saying that Cusack's "indomitable, irrepressible spirit" was "allowed to be broken" by football since February, while also confirming that the former England youth international had no history of mental health problems.
An independent third party undertook a thorough investigation into concerns raised by Cusack's family about "processes and conduct" at the club, and in a statement released on Monday, Sheffield United announced that no evidence of misconduct had been found.
"Sheffield United Football Club can confirm that an investigation has taken place following the tragic passing of Women's team player and club marketing executive, Maddy Cusack," the Blades said.
"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.
"Following Maddy's death, the Club provided staff with the opportunity to engage with additional external support. As part of the Club's commitment to continual improvement, we have and will continue to review and expand the Club-wide wellbeing support offered to our staff and to increase the learning and development opportunities for all staff around language and culture, welfare and mental health awareness.
"We have also recently strengthened our Women's and Girls' structure with the addition of a new highly experienced Head of Women's and Girls' Football and other key appointments. 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."
Cusack represented Aston Villa, Birmingham City and Leicester City before joining Sheffield United in 2019, where she scored seven goals in 110 matches and was also a part of the club's marketing team.
Cusack was appointed Blades vice-captain this summer and was the first female player to reach a century of appearances for Sheffield United, who sit eighth in the WSL 2 table. body check tags ::
