Cusack's death raises "questions about treatment" after "flawed" investigation
Maddy Cusack's tragic death has raised "real questions about her treatment", a government hearing has been told.
The Sheffield United star was found dead at her parents home in September last year aged just 27 and her family have blamed women's manager Jonathan Morgan for allegedly contributing to Cusack's deteriorating mental health. Morgan vehemently denies the claim.
An inquest into Cusack's death was opened and adjourned by Derby Coroner's Court in October, while an internal investigation commissioned by Sheffield United found "no evidence of wrongdoing".
"At the request of and with cooperation from Maddy's family, we appointed an independent third party to carry out a formal investigation into concerns the family raised about processes and conduct at the club," they said.
"Following a thorough review of the valuable input provided by each of the key witnesses put forward by Maddy's family and the club, the investigation has found no evidence of wrongdoing."
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However, the FA is now reviewing the evidence gathered by the club amid reports they could potentially launch their own investigation. At a meeting of the culture, media and sport committee, chairperson Dame Caroline Dinenage suggested there had been a "seemingly quite flawed investigation" into Cusack's final months at Sheffield United leading up to her tragic death.
Sports minister Stuart Andrew also told the committee: "My understanding is that the FA are going to review the evidence that was gathered by the club, and I think that is right. We have to have a spotlight on these issues if we are going to address them properly.
"I wouldn't want to pre-empt what the review (by the FA) will say, but I am glad they are at least looking at it. It is important, if there are concerns, that they are addressed and that there is confidence that they will be looked at properly."
An internal investigation into Cusack's death commissioned by Sheffield United found "no evidence of wrongdoing" (Darren Staples/Sportimage)Cusack's parents, David and Deborah, reportedly wrote a letter to Sheffield United a week after their daughter's death which alleged that Morgan had shown "personal antipathy" towards her and this was a major factor in her mental health struggles. An excerpt from the letter, published by The Athletic, reads: "There were a number of factors that troubled her in the end, but they all spring from the relationship with JM (Morgan).
"As she confided to us (her family), every issue had its origin in JM's appointment. We know she would still be with us had he not been appointed. Her text messages and conversations support this."
The Athletic also report that the family have complained that the initial investigation, carried out by a company called Safecall, was 'mishandled'. Both Safecall and Sheffield United declined to comment when approached by Mirror Football.
The FA said in a statement: "Following the conclusion of the club's independent investigation into the matter, we felt that it would be appropriate to assess the relevant information of the case. This is to understand whether or not any further action is required under our jurisdiction within football, and to establish what, if any, next steps may be appropriate. We are in dialogue with Maddy's family and the club during this process."
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