An inquiry into the death of Sheffield United player Maddy Cusack has been postponed for the second time until 2026, nearly three years after her passing.
Cusack, 27, was found unresponsive in her home in Horsley, Derbyshire, on September 20, 2023, following remarks made by her coach Jonathan Morgan regarding her weight and personal relationships, as reported by Chesterfield Coroner’s Court.
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The inquest was informed that Cusack’s family submitted a written complaint to Sheffield United within a week of her death, detailing concerns they believed arose during her time under Morgan’s coaching.
On Thursday, after eight days of testimony, Assistant Coroner Sophie Cartwright KC informed Cusack’s family that the hearing would be postponed until December 7 to gather additional information.
The inquest was originally set to conclude this week, with the coroner anticipated to provide her findings on July 27.
Jonathan Morgan denied calling Cusack a ‘psycho’ (Getty)
Initially scheduled to start in January, the inquiry was postponed just before the holidays due to delays in providing information to Cusack’s family.
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Ms. Cartwright expressed to the family, “I understand how long you have been waiting for this inquest. I am truly sorry to you and all other concerned parties. The hope of concluding today or tomorrow will not materialize for the reasons already known to you.”
She stated that she would keep the Cusack family in her thoughts on the third anniversary of Maddy’s death and her birthday before the hearing resumes.
Ms. Cartwright indicated that the club will be requested to search its Teams folders and Google Drive for any relevant records concerning Cusack, and an audit of her health records on the club’s system in the months leading up to her death will also be conducted.
Dr. Subhashis Basu, the former club doctor, and Francesca Carr, the head physiotherapist for the women’s team, are expected to testify again, according to the coroner.
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It was also noted that Cusack’s mother, Deborah Cusack, might be called back to testify.
The inquest has yet to hear from Vicki Anderson, Sheffield United’s head of HR, and David Matthews, head of integrity at the Football Association.
Previously, the coroner has heard testimonies from Cusack’s parents, her former teammates, Morgan, and various club staff.
Mrs. Cusack mentioned that her daughter was “devastated” by Morgan’s joining the club in February 2023, due to her prior negative experiences working with him at Leicester City, and feared that “history was repeating itself.”
The inquest heard that Morgan described Cusack as “bottom heavy,” referring to her muscular legs, and made remarks like “here come the girlfriends” when she was seen walking with her partner and teammate Grace Riglar.
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Morgan denied claims that he referred to Cusack as a “psycho” from the sidelines during a match prior to his managerial appointment at United.
Morgan stated during the inquest that he supported Cusack and was “really pleased” to keep her on his team.
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