Maddy Cusack’s mother weeps in court after inquest into her death delayed until December

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Reporting by: Polly Rippon

The mother of Maddy Cusack, who died in September 2023, wept in court as the coroner leading the inquest into the former Sheffield United footballer’s death said had have to adjourn the hearing after new evidence became available.

Deborah Cusack appeared visibly distressed in court after assistant coroner Sophie Cartwright QC said she would have to adjourn the inquest and recall witnesses in the light of new information. She was comforted by her son, Maddy’s brother, Richard.

The coroner told the court the earliest date available to resume the hearing would not be until December and apologised to the Cusack family.

The hearing began on June 29 and has heard eight days of evidence so far.

It had been due to conclude hearing from witnesses tomorrow, Friday July 10, and the coroner was due to deliver her verdict on July 27.

Ms Cartwright QC said on Thursday that additional documents had been lodged and she needed to recall Dr Basu, the former club doctor, and Francesca Carr, who worked as the Sheffield United women’s team physio between 2021 and 2024, to give further evidence.

Ms Cartwright KC said: “I’m so very sorry to the family and all the interested parties that we have not been able to conclude the inquest. I am also conscious that the anniversary of Maddy’s death will take place in the meantime and my thoughts will be with you.”

It is the second time the inquest has been adjourned. It had been due to start in January but was pushed back to June 29.

Cusack, described in court as ‘Miss Sheffield United’, was found unconscious at her home in Derbyshire in September 2023.

This article originally appeared in The Athletic.

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