The former captain of Sheffield United's women's team testified at an inquest that she believes Maddy Cusack's girlfriend moving away was the primary reason for her decline in mental health. Sophie Barker told Chesterfield Coroner's Court that Cusack, who was found unresponsive at her home on September 20, 2023, was "infatuated" with her girlfriend, Grace Riglar.
Barker stated she informed Cusack's family that "Maddy would still be here" if Riglar had not transferred from Sheffield United to Lewes FC in Brighton in July 2023, two months before Cusack's death. Barker recalled reassuring Cusack that Riglar's move did not signify a breakup, but Cusack felt abandoned.
Dean Armstrong KC, representing Cusack's family, suggested to Barker that the behavior of head coach Jonathan Morgan and a lack of club support for Cusack's transition to full-time football alongside her marketing role were the main reasons for her mental health decline. However, Barker maintained that Riglar's departure was the principal cause.
Barker also testified that Cusack had expressed anxiety about Morgan joining United in February 2023, citing previous negative experiences with him at Leicester City. Cusack had described Morgan as unprofessional and someone who made unrealistic promises. Despite this, Cusack was willing to give Morgan another chance, according to court testimony. Barker suggested Cusack might have hidden problems with Morgan to avoid confrontation, as Cusack knew Barker would confront him.
Testimony from Tuesday indicated that Cusack believed Morgan was playing "mind games" and had made comments about her weight and her relationship with Riglar. By June 2023, Barker observed Cusack becoming "quieter" and "more reserved," a significant change from the "bubbly" person she was the previous season.
Francesca Carr, the former head physiotherapist for United's women's team, stated she did not have concerns about Cusack harming herself, noting she had greater concerns for other players. Carr did recall an incident where Cusack became excessively upset, crying on the phone after going to the wrong training ground, which Carr found to be an "excessive" reaction.
The inquest has previously heard that Cusack felt Morgan made a "personal attack" by not including her in the starting lineup for matches. Morgan, representing himself, questioned Carr about whether the decision not to start Cusack for his first game was in her "best interests" due to an ankle injury. Carr affirmed that her not playing was in her best interests, adding that Cusack, in her professional opinion, pushed too hard to return to fitness too early.
When asked if she heard Cusack complain about Morgan in the summer of 2023, Carr replied negatively. The inquest is ongoing.