Maddy Cusack, a midfielder for Sheffield United is dead, the team announced in a statement.
The longest-tenured player on the Blades’ current roster, Cusack had just begun her sixth season with them in the Women’s Championship when she was elected vice-captain last month.
Cusack joined the Bramall Lane squad in January 2019 and reached the club’s 100-appearance mark last year. Stephen Bettis, the club’s chief executive, said: “This is heartbreaking news for everyone at Bramall Lane.
“Maddy had a unique position of being part of a number of teams at Sheffield United and was popular with everyone that she came into contact with.
“Her personality and professionalism made her a credit to her family – she will be sadly missed.
“Whilst taking in the news and moving forward, the Club will offer as much support as possible to Maddy’s family, friends and colleagues.”
Cusack spent a year at Birmingham before ending up at the Blades and the Blues paid tribute to their former player, writing: “The Club are saddened to learn of the passing of former player Maddy Cusack. All of our thoughts are with Maddy’s family and friends at this extremely difficult time.”
West Ham Women also shared their sympathy, saying on social media: “The thoughts of everyone at West Ham United are with Maddy’s family, friends and everyone at Sheffield United during this difficult time.”
The former England youth international signed a new contract extension with the Blades in July.
United’s chief executive officer Stephen Bettis said: ‘This is heart-breaking news for everyone at Bramall Lane.
‘Maddy had a unique position of being part of a number of teams at Sheffield United and was popular with everyone that she came into contact with.
‘Her personality and professionalism made her a credit to her family – she will be sadly missed.
‘While taking in the news and moving forward, the club will offer as much support as possible to Maddy’s family, friends and colleagues.’
The Blades said talks over ‘suitable tributes and celebrating Maddy’s life’ will continue privately, adding: ‘The club and Maddy’s family would appreciate a period of privacy and will not comment further at this sad time.’
