The inquest into the death of Maddy Cusack, a former Sheffield United player, revealed that her coach engaged in psychological tactics with her before her passing. Cusack, 27, was discovered unconscious by her father at their home in Horsley, Derbyshire, on September 20, 2023, and passed away the same day. Testimony presented at Chesterfield Coroner’s Court highlighted that Cusack felt apprehensive about potential stigmatization and ridicule within the club before her demise.
According to Grace Riglar, Cusack’s partner, the stress she experienced was mainly attributed to Coach Jonathan Morgan’s actions upon joining Sheffield United Women. Cusack, who previously started every game, felt targeted when she was no longer a regular starter under Morgan’s management. Riglar mentioned that Cusack perceived the coach’s decisions to be deliberate mind games, affecting her deeply.
Riglar also disclosed that Cusack had concerns about Morgan’s arrival due to a prior negative encounter while working together at Leicester City. Morgan’s comments about Cusack’s weight led her to alter her diet and exercise routines, causing her to skip meals, eliminate carbs, and increase post-training runs.
The inquest further revealed that Morgan’s behavior included inappropriate references to Riglar as “Mrs. Cusack,” creating discomfort for Cusack as she aimed to maintain a professional boundary between her football career and personal life. Cusack had even expressed her desire to transition to a different career path and had been exploring opportunities outside of football before her tragic death.
Eoin Doyle, Cusack’s line manager at Sheffield United’s marketing department, testified that Cusack exhibited signs of anxiety and unease after Morgan’s arrival, a departure from her usual confident demeanor. Doyle also mentioned Morgan referring to Cusack as “love sick,” a term that raised concerns but was not perceived as malicious by Doyle.
Despite the unfolding testimonies, there was no indication that Cusack had intentions of self-harm. The inquest proceedings are ongoing, shedding light on the circumstances leading to Cusack’s untimely passing.
