Overview
- Maddy Cusack was found dead at her home on 20 September 2023 after her father discovered her with ligature marks and attempted CPR, the coroner was told.
- Her father told the hearing that he believed the return of coach Jonathan Morgan to Sheffield United and their earlier strained relationship contributed to her decline and that the family lodged a written complaint with the club within days of her death.
- Medical evidence presented at the inquest said Cusack saw a GP in September 2023 for anxiety, was prescribed medication and accepted a sick note marked 'generally unwell' because she feared stigma if her diagnosis reached the club.
- Sheffield United’s internal probe in December 2023 found no evidence of wrongdoing, the FA opened a separate investigation in January 2024 and has shared its report with the coroner while Jonathan Morgan—sacked by the club in February 2024 over unrelated conduct—denies misconduct and is representing himself.
- The case highlights how part-time pay structures and a contested move to full-time terms in June 2023 left Cusack juggling a marketing role and heavier training, a situation the family says increased financial and scheduling pressure and raises questions about mental-health support in the women’s game.