Maddy Cusack’s brother pays heartbreaking tribute to late sister after the tragic death of Sheffield United’s longest serving women’s player aged 27 – with her last Instagram post showing her signing new contract
- Sheffield United have announced that Maddy Cusack has died at the age of 27
- Cusack, named vice-captain, had just started her sixth season with the Blades
- She was the longest-serving player in the current Sheffield United squad
The brother of Sheffield United’s longest-serving women’s player has paid a heartbreaking tribute to his ‘beautiful sister’ after her shock death at the age of 27.
Maddy Cusack, who was named vice-captain of the Women’s Championship club last month, tragically died on Wednesday.
She had just started her sixth year with Sheffield United and had spoken of her excitement for the new season in her most recent Instagram post.
Cusack also worked as a marketing executive at the club, who said they were ‘devastated’ by her passing. Her cause of death has not yet been disclosed.
The Sheffield United’s star’s heartbroken brother, Richard Cusack, paid tribute yesterday, tweeting: ‘My beautiful sister. May you rest in peace Maddy.’
Maddy Cusack (pictured in her last Instagram post), who was named vice-captain of Sheffield United last month, tragically died on Wednesday
Her heartbroken brother, Richard Cusack, paid tribute yesterday, tweeting: ‘My beautiful sister. May you rest in peace Maddy.’
Cusack also worked as a marketing executive at the club, who said they were ‘devastated’ by her death
The former England youth international, who was the longest-serving player in their current squad, signed a new contract extension with the club in July
Cusack joined Sheffield United halfway through their first campaign in the women’s second tier in January 2019 and last season became the first woman to reach 100 appearances for the club.
The former England youth international, who was the longest-serving player in their current squad, signed a new contract extension with the club in July.
After agreeing to extend her stay at Sheffield United, Cusack said: ‘I think everyone knows how much I love this club. This club is my home.’
In her last Instagram post seven weeks ago, she said: ‘6 years and counting… Really happy to have signed another deal with Sheffield United. Exited [sic] for the new season!’
Tributes have poured in under the post of her beaming at the camera as she pens the new deal. One user said: ‘RIP Beautiful’. Another said: ‘Rest easy darling.’
England women’s captain Leah Williamson also paid tribute, tweeting: ‘Sending all my love and condolences to Maddy’s family at this awful time!’
Aston Villa star Alisha Lehmann, one of the most popular women’s footballers, posted: ‘Everyone at Aston Villa is devastated to learn of the passing of former player, Maddy Cusack.
‘Our thoughts and condolences are with Maddy’s family and friends at this difficult time. When I saw this I was very heartbroken REST IN PEACE DEAR.’
Cusack last played for the Blades on August 27 in a 1-1 draw against Charlton Athletic. She did not feature for the club in their defeats to Sunderland and Blackburn Rovers or their win over Lewes earlier this month.
A statement on the club’s official website read: ‘Sheffield United Football Club is devastated to report the sad news of the passing of Maddy Cusack.
Cusack also worked as a marketing executive for the club and its Community Foundation
In February, Cusack became the first player to make 100 appearances for Sheffield United from when they came into the Championship
Paul Heckingbottom, the manager of Sheffield United’s men’s team, tweeted last night: ‘Sad day. Maddy was one of our family. A big part of our club both on and off the pitch. Love and thoughts to Maddy’s family.’
‘Maddy, a women’s team player since 2019 and marketing executive for the Football Club, passed away on Wednesday.
‘A respected player, Maddy, 27, last season reached the milestone of 100 appearances for Sheffield United Women.
‘Additionally, she was a valued colleague in the offices at Bramall Lane, moving over from the Sheffield United Community Foundation to the club in 2021 to help market all areas of the Blades.’
Sheffield United’s chief executive officer Stephen Bettis said: ‘This is heart-breaking news for everyone at Bramall Lane.
‘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.
‘While taking in the news and moving forward, the club will offer as much support as possible to Maddy’s family, friends and colleagues.’
Paul Heckingbottom, the manager of Sheffield United’s men’s team, tweeted last night: ‘Sad day. Maddy was one of our family. A big part of our club both on and off the pitch. Love and thoughts to Maddy’s family.’
Sheffield United said talks over ‘suitable tributes and celebrating Maddy’s life’ will continue privately, adding: ‘The club and Maddy’s family would appreciate a period of privacy and will not comment further at this sad time.’
Cusack, named vice-captain last month, had just started her sixth season with the Blades
England women’s star Leah Williamson was among the players to post a message of support on X
Cusack also had a stint at Birmingham City during her career. The club said in a statement: ‘The club are saddened to learn of the passing of former player Maddy Cusack. All of our thoughts are with Maddy’s family and friends at this extremely difficult time.’
Other women’s clubs have also paid tribute to Cusack. Leicester City Women’s posted: ;The thoughts of everyone at LCFC Women are with former player Maddy Cusack’s family, friends, team-mates and colleagues following her passing. Rest in peace.;
Sue Campbell, the FA’s director of women’s football, said: ‘We are all devastated to learn about the passing of Maddy Cusack. On behalf of the FA, the Lionesses, the Women’s Super League and the Women’s Championship, our thoughts and deepest condolences are with Maddy’s family, friends, teammates and everyone at Sheffield United.
‘Maddy also represented England at age-group level and we will pay tribute to her at an appropriate point. We are in contact with the club and will continue to offer them our full support during this incredibly sad time.’
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