Inquest Into Footballer Maddy Cusack’s Death Postponed Pending Document Review

Maddy Cusack inquest adjourned over evidence – The legal proceedings examining the circumstances surrounding the passing of former Sheffield United player Maddy Cusack have been suspended until early December. The 27-year-old athlete was discovered unresponsive at her family residence in Derbyshire during September of the previous year, with her death confirmed on the same date.

Timeline of Events and Court Proceedings

Cusack was located by her father, David, at the family home situated in Horsley on September 20, 2023. Medical professionals pronounced her deceased following the discovery. The formal investigation into her passing commenced at Chesterfield Coroner’s Court on June 29, with initial expectations that the proceedings would wrap up by July 27.

Assistant coroner Sophie Cartwright KC addressed the family directly regarding the postponement, expressing sincere regret for the additional waiting period. The hearing has now been rescheduled for December 7, providing Sheffield United with necessary time to locate relevant documentation connected to the player’s medical history.

Family Concerns Regarding Club Relationship

During the preliminary stages of the inquest, testimony revealed that Cusack’s relatives had submitted a formal written grievance to Sheffield United shortly after her passing. This complaint highlighted several concerns related to her professional association with the club’s coach, Jonathan Morgan.

Deborah Cusack, the player’s mother, characterized Morgan as her daughter’s “nemesis” during her court testimony. She explained that he had made remarks concerning both her weight and personal relationships, actions she believed were intended to diminish her confidence and establish dominance.

Grace Riglar, who played for the team and was in a relationship with Cusack, had told the court Cusack was “anxious” about Morgan joining the club after her experience of working with him at Leicester City.

Conflicting Perspectives on Working Relationship

Morgan provided evidence during the proceedings, stating that he harbored no reservations about his professional connection with Cusack upon his arrival at Sheffield United as manager. He emphasized to the inquest that he had extended a full-time contract offer to the player and expressed genuine satisfaction at having her contribute to his squad.

However, contrasting information emerged regarding Morgan’s assessment of Cusack’s credibility. The inquest heard that he had communicated to the Football Association that the player was “generally a liar,” suggesting she had “omitted a lot of information” when discussing his conduct with her relatives. Additionally, court proceedings revealed that Morgan had previously released Cusack from his squad when serving as a coach at Leicester City.

Medical Records Investigation Underway

On Thursday, Cartwright explained that the postponement was necessary to enable her to request additional information concerning Cusack’s medical documentation. Sheffield United has been instructed to examine their Microsoft Teams folders and Google Drive archives for any materials pertaining to the player. Furthermore, an examination of her health records maintained on the club’s internal system during the months preceding her death will be conducted.

The inquest had previously received confirmation from Sheffield United’s physician, Dr Subhasis Basu, that medical files from Cusack’s tenure at the club had been misplaced.

Speaking to Cusack’s family, the assistant coroner said: “I know how long you have waited for this inquest. I genuinely am sorry to the family and the properly interested persons. The hope we would finish today or tomorrow will not take place for reasons you know.”

Future Proceedings

Cartwright announced that several witnesses would be summoned again, including Dr Basu and team physiotherapist Francesca Carr. There is also potential for Cusack’s mother, Deborah, to provide further testimony when the proceedings resume. Once the investigation continues, it is anticipated to span five days in total duration.