An inquest in Chesterfield heard that former Sheffield United midfielder Maddy Cusack tragically died at her Derbyshire home on 20 September 2023, after keeping her mental‑health struggles hidden for fear of stigma. Her father, David Cusack, told the coroner that a reunion with coach Jonathan Morgan and a disputed contract left her demotivated. He insisted she was “depressed, not suicidal.”

Cusack explained that a full‑time Sheffield United deal offered in June 2023 forced Maddy to juggle daily training, weekend matches and a part‑time marketing role, slashing her earnings and eroding her “joie de vivre.” He said the agreement made her anxious about balancing responsibilities, caused her to abandon a strict diet, and left her feeling deflated by July.

The coroner heard Sheffield United provided no psychotherapy or formal support; Maddy received only a generic “generally unwell” sick note to avoid labeling her condition. Her GP noted anxiety, sleeplessness and worrying thoughts, while her father warned the club that stigma pushed her to hide her diagnosis. An internal probe concluded in December 2023 with no wrongdoing, but the inquest remains open.