Family Seeks jury Inquest in Maddy Cusack Death, ​Citing Welfare Concerns

⁢ Updated June 03,⁣ 2025

The family of Maddy Cusack,‌ the ​former Sheffield United midfielder who‍ died in​ September ⁣2023, is requesting a jury inquest ‍into ​her death. Lawyers for the family cited “significant public interest” in⁤ the⁢ case, ​particularly regarding the welfare and ⁣safeguarding of young female athletes.

Cusack,27,died⁢ at her Derbyshire home.Prior⁤ to her death, her‍ family submitted a complaint to Sheffield United ⁤concerning issues ⁢allegedly stemming from her relationship​ with then-manager Jonathan morgan.

Dean Armstrong KC, representing the family, argued at a⁣ pre-inquest review hearing ⁣that a jury should⁣ hear the case. He emphasized the need to ‍examine the⁣ treatment of “young, vulnerable people” in sports, highlighting ‌disparities ​between⁢ the men’s and⁤ women’s games.

Armstrong drew an analogy to deaths in protective custody,​ suggesting that⁢ young women in football clubs exist in ​a​ “climate of ‌concern and fear.” He‌ stated that this inquest represents a crucial prospect to assess the⁣ protections in place for vulnerable female athletes.

Cusack’s legal team​ referenced an unpublished Football ⁣Association report that found the examination “shed light⁣ on the resourcing ‍issues particularly acute in the women’s game⁣ and the related welfare ‍and safeguarding issues that might arise”.

The lawyers also requested additional witnesses, arguing ‌their ‍testimony ‍from earlier investigations into Morgan’s conduct would provide a​ complete ⁢exploration of the matter.

“[The] ⁢inability to⁤ report to⁢ the club contributed to Maddy’s⁤ deterioration. ‌There ⁢was⁣ no one to talk to, no adequate support system in place. ‌That should be at the​ centre of these proceedings.”

Morgan, representing himself, claimed “manipulation​ of facts” and alleged that some individuals were ignored because their ‍views did not align with the prevailing narrative.

Coroner ⁢sophie Cartwright has directed Sheffield United, the FA, and ‌Morgan to submit written responses by June 17‌ regarding the jury request, the scope ‍of the inquest, and the additional witnesses. The family will then have seven days to respond, with a determination expected by July 1. A date ‍for ⁤the inquest has not ⁣yet been set.

What’s next

The coroner will ⁢review submissions from all parties before deciding on the scope of the inquest, the⁤ need for a jury, and which witnesses will be called. The inquest aims to‍ shed light on the circumstances surrounding Maddy Cusack’s death and‍ address broader issues of welfare ​and⁣ safeguarding in ⁣women’s soccer.