Sheffield United issue club statement following investigation into Maddy Cusack's death

Sheffield United have issued a statement after the club commissioned a formal investigation following the death of midfielder Maddy Cusack earlier this year.

Cusack, who was the vice-captain of United women's team and worked within the club's marketing department, died in September at her home in Derbyshire at the age of 27.

Police stated there were no suspicious circumstances surrounding her passing. An inquest was opened and adjourned in October.

A former England U19 international, the midfielder became the first player to reach 100 appearances for the Blades and was the Women's Championship side's longest-serving player at the time of her passing.

The Maddy Cusack Foundation later shared a speech to social media, which had been read out by Cusack's mother, Deborah, at her memorial service in October.

It read: "The saddest and most utterly heartbreaking reason why I am having to stand here and speak to you today is because of football.

"From February this year, the indomitable, irrepressible spirit, the spirit called Maddy, the spirit that I had so fearlessly protected was allowed to be broken. Taking her away from me."

Last month, Sheffield United agreed to a 'thorough external investigation' into events that her family believe 'contributed significantly to her passing'.

Now, the club have released a statement confirming that an investigation has now been completed, and has found 'no evidence of wrongdoing'.

The statement reads in full: "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 commitments 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."