Police say death of Sheffield United star Maddy Cusack is not being treated as suspicious after her body was found at a house – as ‘devastated’ players and fans pay tribute to 27-year-old vice captain

Police say the sudden death of Sheffield United star Maddy Cusack is not being treated as suspicious.

Maddy’s shocking death at the age of 27 stunned the world of women’s football last week.

Derbyshire Police confirmed that officers were called to an address in Horsley just after 6.35pm last Wednesday where she was pronounced dead at the scene.

Officers are now helping to prepare a file for Chesterfield Coroner in Derbyshire.

A police spokesman said: ‘A woman in her 20s was pronounced dead at the scene.

‘Her family are aware and are being supported by specialist officers.

Flowers in memory of Sheffield United Women’s player Maddy Cusack following her death last week

Floral tributes in club colors were left by well-wishers in memory of Maddy at the Blades ground

The former England youth international, who was the longest-serving player in the current squad, signed a new contract extension with the club in July.

‘Her death is not being treated as suspicious and a file is being prepared for the coroner.’

A spokesman for Chesterfield Coroner’s Court confirmed that the death had been reported and that an inquest would be opened in due course.

Tributes were paid to the midfielder ahead of Sheffield United’s Premier League match against Newcastle United at Bramall Lane on Sunday.

They observed a minute’s silence before kick-off, with players wearing shirts with the number eight, which represented Cusack’s squad number.

Fans also held up signs and flags as the club flag flew at half-mast on Bramall Lane.

The England women’s team paid tribute to Sheffield United star Maddy Cusack after her shocking death at the age of 27

Cusack was seen beaming at the camera in what was believed to be the last images of her online before her shock death

As silence fell over the stadium, a black and white photo of the football star, who previously played for England Under-19s, flashed on the screen

It comes as the FA announced it would postpone two Women’s National League matches in light of the tragedy

Maddy was the longest serving member at Sheffield United and was appointed vice-captain last month.

The player’s devastated parents and three siblings mourned behind closed doors with their extended family at their home in the Derbyshire village of Horsley.

One sister refused to say anything, saying, “It’s all too raw.”

After her death, the player’s heartbroken brother Richard Cusack paid tribute, tweeting: ‘My beautiful sister. May you rest in peace Maddy.’

Cusack’s sudden death has led to an outpouring of grief from her “broken” teammates, as well as several members of the Lionesses team.

Cusack also worked as a marketing manager at the club, who said they were ‘devastated’ by her death

Sheffield United midfielder Maddy Cusack has died at the age of 27, the club has announced

Sheffield United legend Billy Sharp tweeted a candid photo of him and Cusack in celebration of the club’s promotion to the Premier League

Lionesses Captain Leah Williamson wrote: ‘Sending all my love and condolences to Maddy’s family at this terrible time!’

Williamson was joined by teammates Beth Mead, Jordan Nobbs, Beth England and Lauren Hemp to pay tribute.

Meanwhile, the FA director by women’s footballBaroness Sue Campbell issued a statement on behalf of the women’s national team, saying the FA was offering its support to the Blades.

She said: “On behalf of the FA, the Lionesses, the Women’s Super League and the Women’s Championship, our thoughts and deepest condolences go out to Maddy’s family, friends, teammates and everyone at Sheffield United.

“Maddy also represented England at age group level and we will pay tribute to her at an appropriate time. We are in contact with the club and will continue to offer them our full support at this incredibly sad time.”