The inquest into the death of Maddy Cusack, a former player for Sheffield United, revealed that her coach was engaging in psychological manipulation before her tragic passing. Cusack, aged 27, was discovered unconscious by her father at their residence in Horsley, Derbyshire, on September 20, 2023, and later passed away. Testimonies at the Chesterfield Coroner’s Court indicated that Cusack felt threatened by potential stigmatization and mockery within the club.
According to Grace Riglar, Cusack’s partner, the stress Cusack experienced was significantly linked to the arrival of coach Jonathan Morgan at Sheffield United Women. Riglar mentioned that Cusack interpreted being benched by Morgan as a deliberate move, causing her distress as she had previously been a consistent starter for the team.
Riglar shared that Cusack had expressed concerns about Morgan’s behavior based on their prior interactions at Leicester City. Allegedly, Morgan had made derogatory remarks about Cusack’s weight, leading her to alter her diet and exercise routines drastically. Furthermore, Morgan’s insistence on referring to Riglar as “Mrs. Cusack” created discomfort for Cusack, who wanted to maintain a professional boundary between her personal and football life.
The inquest also revealed that Cusack had been advised by her doctor to stop playing football and take a break from her marketing role at Sheffield United due to health reasons. Before her passing, Cusack had expressed a desire to explore new career paths, including becoming a flight attendant in Dubai. Riglar mentioned that Cusack felt trapped in her situation and was unsure of how to move forward.
Eoin Doyle, Cusack’s supervisor in the marketing department at Sheffield United, recounted moments of Cusack’s anxiety and discomfort around Morgan. Doyle noted changes in Cusack’s behavior and demeanor, including instances where she appeared unusually anxious and worried.
During the ongoing inquest, Morgan, representing himself, inquired about his remark regarding Cusack being “love sick,” to which Doyle responded that he perceived it as well-intentioned but misjudged. Doyle affirmed his belief that Cusack had never shown any inclination towards self-harm.
The investigation is ongoing as more details emerge surrounding the events leading up to Cusack’s tragic death.