A woman has been arrested over the death of a four-month old, the son of ex-EFL player Matt Smith and also the grandson of Steve Bruce.
Police have launched an investigation following the tragic death of Madison, aged just four months, who died at his home in October where he lived with Steve Bruce’s daughter Amy and ex-footballer Matt Smith.
A woman in her 40s being investigated on suspicion of neglect. Amy and Matt are according to reports said to have hired a night nanny to help look after the child. Matt is said to have checked on his son just after 7am on the 18th of October and found him unresponsive.
A Greater Manchester Police spokesman said: “We can confirm an investigation is ongoing and a woman in her 40s was arrested on suspicion of child neglect. She was questioned and released on bail pending further inquiries.”
It’s suggested that police are examining her phone following Madison’s death amid suggestions she spent time on social media before Madison was found in his bedroom at the family’s home in Bowdon, Gtr Manchester.
A North West Ambulance spokesperson said in the aftermath of Madison’s tragic death: “We attended a private address in Bowdon, on 18th October 2024 following a 999 call at 07:07. One patient was taken to hospital. Two ambulances, a response vehicle, and an advanced paramedic attended the incident.”
As per a source to The Sun: “Amy and Matt are the nicest people and they are utterly devastated by Madison’s death.
“It’s being suggested that they were using the services of a night nanny to help them cope with the lack of sleep a new baby can bring.
“Matt woke and the first thing he did was to go and check on Madison and he was horrified to find he wasn’t breathing.
“It’s a very delicate situation but officers felt concerned enough that they arrested the nanny and they have interviewed her to get her account.
“They will also look at her phone.”
Blackpool boss Bruce took the decision to temporary step away from the dugout, thanking fans for their support in the days after Madison’s funeral on the 29th of October.
Blackpool said: “The Club can announce that Head Coach Steve Bruce will not be in attendance at the fixture against Barnsley due to the tragic passing of his four-month old grandson, Madison.
“Everyone at the football club send their love to Steve and his family. We ask that their privacy is respected as they come to terms with this sudden and unexpected loss in their family.”
Blackpool assistant head coach Steve Agnew offered his support to boss Steve Bruce: “For 24 hours, it’s been tough. He was very emotional at the training ground… All our feelings are with the gaffer and his family.”
Bruce said in a statement two days after his grandson was laid to rest: “On Tuesday we laid my grandson Madison to rest. It’s been the worst time of my family’s entire lives and is something no family should have to endure.
“I’d like to take this opportunity on behalf of all the family to thank everyone for the tributes and messages from inside and outside the footballing world.”
In December 2024, Steve said in an interview: “I’ve really enjoyed [being back in management]. I’ve had a personal tragedy along the way [following the death of his baby grandson], which has put a big hole in the road. But coming into work… I’ve enjoyed it immensely.”
Bruce’s son Alex added: “I’d also like to thank everyone for the well wishes and messages.
“There are no words to describe how painful last two weeks have been for us all especially Matt and Amy. Madison was the perfect little boy and the most perfect nephew, life will never be the same without him.”
Salford City meanwhile tweeted: “Salford City announces that Assistant Manager Alex Bruce will not be in attendance at the fixture away at Crewe Alexandra due to the tragic passing of his four-month old nephew, Madison.
“All at the football club send our love and full support to Alex, Matt Smith and the family. We request that their privacy is respected as they come to terms with this sudden and unexpected loss in their family ❤️”
A minute’s applause at Bloomfield Road🧡
Blackpool and Barnsley fans pay their respects to Steve Bruce and his family following the death of head coach’s baby grandson Madison. #UTMP pic.twitter.com/3x6IEyUWZq
— Amos Wynn (@amos_wynn) October 19, 2024
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