Maddy Cusack: Inquest into much-loved Sheffield United player's death opened

The inquest into the death of Sheffield United Women's player Maddy Cusack has been opened and adjourned as a coroner awaits further details about the cause of her death.

Ms Cusack died at the age of 27 at her home address in Derbyshire on September 20. At the time, Derbyshire Police said there were no suspicious circumstances surrounding her death.

An inquest into the footballer's death was opened at Derby Coroner's Court on Wednesday and was adjourned after a short hearing.

Assistant coroner Louise Pinder said Ms Cusack's death was reported to Chesterfield Coroner's Court by police on September 21.

Ms Pinder said Ms Cusack, who also worked in Sheffield United's commercial department as a marketing executive, had been formally identified after her death by her father David.

She had died at her home address in Lady Lea Road, Horsley and was found by dad, David, the same day.

Ms Pinder told the hearing on Wednesday, which was only attended by members of the press, that the cause of her death was yet to be ascertained.

A post-mortem was carried out on September 26, by pathologist Danesh Taraporewalla, but the cause of death has not yet been determined.

She said: "We are awaiting a police file and the medical cause of death, therefore I am adjourning the inquest for six weeks for further review then the inquest can be listed in due course."

Ms Cusack was the Blades' longest-serving female player and the first to reach 100 appearances.

In a tribute posted on the club's official website on September 21 announcing the news of her death, Sheffield United chief executive 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."