COPS have launched an investigation into the tragic death of football manager Steve Bruce’s baby grandson.
Madison Smith passed away after being discovered unresponsive at the family home where he lived with Steve’s daughter Amy and her former footballer husband Matt Smith.
Interior designer Amy, 37, and dad Matt, 35, are understood to have hired a night nanny to help look after the four-month-old boy.
But they were left heartbroken when Matt checked on his son just after 7am on 18 October and found him unresponsive.
A woman in her 40s has now been arrested on suspicion of neglect and bailed pending further investigations.
Officers leading the investigation are understood to be examining her phone 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 Gtr 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.”
A source said: “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.”
A North West Ambulance spokesperson said: “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.”
News of Madison’s passing emerged on October 18 when Blackpool FC – who former Manchester United defender Steve currently manages – released a statement explaining he would not be in the dugout the following day.
It read: “The Club can announce that Head Coach Steve Bruce will not be in attendance at tomorrow’s 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.”
The statement was followed by other messages of support for the Bruce family, and his son-in-law Matt, who retired from football this August.
Madison’s funeral was held on 29 October and two days later Steve issued a statement thanking the world of football for the support it showed him and his family in the wake of Madison’s death.
Steve, 63, said: “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.”
Amy’s brother Alex, who stepped back form his managerial role at Salford City, 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.”
Matt Smith played 527 games with Oldham Athletic, Macclesfield Town, Leeds United, Fulham, Bristol City, Queens Park Rangers, Millwall and Salford City, scoring 139 goals.
4
4
