British women’s soccer star Maddy Cusack has tragically died suddenly at just 27 years old, her team has revealed.
Cusack played as a midfielder for England’s Sheffield United.
Cusack played for the team since 2019.
She became the first player to reach 100 appearances for the women’s team last season.
She also worked as a marketing executive at the Women’s Championship club.
The club issued a statement saying the team is “devastated.”
“This is heartbreaking news for everyone at Bramall Lane,” said Sheffield United chief executive officer Stephen Bettis.
“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.
“Whilst taking in the news and moving forward, the club will offer as much support as possible to Maddy’s family, friends, and colleagues.”
Ahead of the Newcastle game, we will celebrate & honour the life of Maddy Cusack, a loved & respected figure of the Sheffield United family.
There will forever be a void in the hearts of everyone connected to the club & a number of activities have been planned to remember her.… pic.twitter.com/cHeXKuN4Eb
— Sheffield United (@SheffieldUnited) September 24, 2023
Cusack’s former teams Birmingham, Aston Villa, and Nottingham Forest also paid tribute.
The Football Association’s director of women’s football, Baroness Sue Campbell, said English soccer’s governing body is in contact with Sheffield United and offering them support at this “incredibly sad time”.
“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, team-mates and everyone at Sheffield United,” she said.
“Maddy also represented England at age-group level and we will pay tribute to her at an appropriate point.”
Former Sheffield United men’s captain Billy Sharp posted an image of himself and Cusack on Twitter/X.
The caption reads:
“Such a lovely girl.
“Enjoyed some amazing times with Maddy and the Blades.
“Such a sad loss. RIP Maddy.”
Such a lovely girl, enjoyed some amazing times with Maddy and the Blades. Such a sad loss. RIP Maddy 😢⚔️ pic.twitter.com/Bv68avWvrI
— billy sharp (@billysharp10) September 21, 2023
The cause of Cusack’s death has not been revealed.
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