SHEFFIELD UNITED women's star Maddy Cusack has died aged 27.
The Blades confirmed the sad news in a statement on Thursday.
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Midfielder Cusack had just entered her sixth season with the club after signing a new deal in July, having reached her 100th appearance last term.
A statement read: "Sheffield United Football Club is devastated to report the sad news of the passing of Maddy Cusack.
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"Maddy, a women's team player since 2019 and marketing executive for the Football Club, passed away on Wednesday.
"A respected player, Maddy, 27, last season reached the milestone of 100 appearances for Sheffield United Women.
"Additionally, she was a valued colleague in the offices at Bramall Lane, moving over from the Sheffield United Community Foundation to the Club in 2021 to help market all areas of the Blades."
Stephen Bettis, United's chief executive officer, commented: "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."
The Blades added: "Discussions over suitable tributes and celebrating Maddy's life will continue privately.
"The Club and Maddy's family would appreciate a period of privacy and will not comment further at this sad time."
Tributes poured in from across the football world for Cusack.
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Leeds United wrote: "The thoughts and condolences of everyone at Leeds are with Maddy’s friends and family at this difficult time. Rest in peace, Maddy."
Luton Town noted: "Rest in peace, Maddy. We're sending our love and wishes to your family and friends and your colleagues at Bramall Lane."
Shrewsbury Town said: "We're so sorry to read this. All our thoughts and wishes are with Maddy's friends and family, and everyone at Sheffield United."
Halifax Town added: "We’re all so sorry to hear this devastating news, we send our thoughts to all of Maddy’s family and friends and everyone associated with Sheffield United."
One Blades fan tweeted: "Awful news, so sad, rest in peace."
Another noted: "Such a young age, tragic, so devastating for her family."
One supporter added: "Awful news to hear, a Blade through and through."