The tragic death of Steve Bruce's four-month-old grandson Madison has been ruled an accident by police, who had arrested a woman in her 40s on suspicion of child neglect
07:36, 27 Mar 2025Updated 07:49, 27 Mar 2025
BLACKPOOL, ENGLAND - SEPTEMBER 17: Steve Bruce, Manager of Blackpool, speaks to the media following loss the Carabao Cup Third Round match between Blackpool and Sheffield Wednesday at Bloomfield Road on September 17, 2024 in Blackpool, England. (Photo by Jess Hornby/Getty Images)
Manchester United legend and former football manager Steve Bruce has spoken about the tragedy(Image: Jess Hornby/Getty Images)
The tragic death of Steve Bruce's four-month-old grandson Madison has been officially declared "an accident" by police.
Madison's body was discovered at his family's home in October. Police subsequently arrested a woman in her 40s, believed to be the baby's nanny, on suspicion of child neglect.
Article continues below
The investigation has now concluded, with police determining that Madison's death was an unfortunate accident.
A Greater Manchester Police spokesman said: "While the circumstances are tragic, we don't believe any criminality was linked to this death."
Madison was born to Bruce's daughter Amy and her husband Matt Smith, who is also known for his football career with teams such as Leeds United, Millwall, and Fulham.
Steve Bruce
Steve Bruce paid tribute to his grandson(Image: Getty Images)
Blackpool manager Bruce, 64, took compassionate leave from his role when Madison died, but returned to the dugout before Christmas.
In a recent interview, his first discussing the family loss, the-Manchester United legend shared that he contemplated quitting football after the tragedy.
In an emotional chat with The Athletic, the former Newcastle United manager, reflected on his personal struggles. He said: "There were times when I thought about not coming back.
"I'm sure people would've totally understood but sometimes football has given me a little bit of an escape from it all. It's been the tragedy of all tragedies.
"Anyone going through the same sort of grief, I feel for them. It's horrendous that a fine, young, healthy baby boy doesn't wake up one morning.... We'll never come to terms with that. It's agony."
Don't miss a thing with football updates!
Want to be on the ball with all of the latest football news? Well then sign up for the brilliant Daily Star Football email newsletter!
From the latest transfer news to breaking stories, get it all in your email inbox.
How do you sign up?
It only takes a matter of seconds.
Simply click on this link, then provide your email address and that's it, job done. You'll receive an email with all of the top football stories.
You can also sign up for our sport email, Off the Ball, for all the latest darts, boxing, snooker, F1 stories and more, right here
Bruce spoke highly of Blackpool's leadership for their understanding after he suffered such an immense loss, which happened only weeks into his new role, following almost two years away from football.
The former defender has since been instrumental in Blackpool's push for a playoff spot in League 1.
Article continues below
With only eight matches remaining this term, the Tangerines are in the mix with several contenders aiming for the top six, reports the Mirror.
They currently trail Huddersfield Town, who sit in sixth place, by seven points but have shown impressive form lately.
Now facing demanding clashes as Blackpool's boss, Bruce is gearing up for a match against Bolton Wanderers, who are placed seventh and have recently faltered after a strong run, and then Reading, yet another team chasing promotion, as he seeks to bolster his crew's playoff prospects.