Police have launched an investigation into the tragic death of the grandson of football manager Steve Bruce.
Madison Smith died after being found unresponsive at the family home where he lived with Steve’s daughter Amy and her footballer ex-husband Matt Smith.
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Woman arrested after death of Steve Bruce’s grandson Credit: Getty
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Steve and his wife Janet. The family is devastated by the death of the little boy
Interior designer Amy, 37, and dad Matt, 35, reportedly 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 October 18 and found him unresponsive.
A woman in her 40s has now been arrested on suspicion of neglect and has been released on bail pending further enquiries.
Investigating officers are understood to be looking through her phone amid suggestions she had spent time on social media before Madison was found in her bedroom at the family home in Bowdon, Gtr Manchester.
A spokesman for Gtr Manchester Police said: “We can confirm that an investigation is ongoing and a woman in her 40s has been arrested on suspicion of child neglect.
“She was questioned and released on bail pending further investigation.”
A source said: “Amy and Matt are the best people and are absolutely devastated by Madison’s death.
“It is suggested that they used the services of a night nanny to help them cope with the lack of sleep that a new baby can bring.
“Matt woke up and the first thing he did was go check on Madison and he was horrified to find that she wasn’t breathing.
“It’s a very delicate situation, but the officers felt concerned enough to arrest the babysitter and question her to find out her account.
“He’ll also look at her phone.”
A spokesman for North West Ambulance Service said: “We attended a private address in Bowdon on October 18, 2024 following a 999 call at 07.07.
“One patient was transferred to the hospital. Two ambulances, an ambulance and an ambulance attended the incident.”
News of Madison’s death emerged on October 18 when Blackpool FC – which former Manchester United defender Steve currently manages – released a statement explaining that he would not be at the ground the following day.
It read: “The club can announce that head coach Steve Bruce will not be present for tomorrow’s game against Barnsley due to the tragic death of his four-month-old grandson Madison.
“Everyone at the football club sends their love to Steve and his family.
“We ask that their privacy be respected as they come to terms with this sudden and unexpected loss in their family.”
That statement was followed by other messages of support from the Bruce family and his son-in-law Matt, who retired from football this August.
Madison’s funeral was held on October 29 and two days later Steve issued a statement thanking the football world for the support shown to him and his family following Madison’s death.
Steve, 63, said: “We laid my grandson Madison to rest on Tuesday.
“It was the worst time of my family’s life and it’s something no family should have to go through.
“I would like to take this opportunity on behalf of the whole family to thank everyone for the tributes and messages inside and outside the football world.”
Amy’s brother Alex, who has retired from 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 the last two weeks have been for all of us, especially Matt and Amy.
“Madison was the perfect boy and the most perfect nephew, life will never be the same without him.”
Matt Smith played 527 games for Oldham Athletic, Macclesfield Town, Leeds United, Fulham, Bristol City, Queens Park Rangers, Millwall and Salford City, scoring 139 goals.
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Amy is married to former football player Matt Smith Credit: Getty – Contributor
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Amy’s brother Alex paid a moving tribute Credits: Rex
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Blackpool manager Steve Bruce ahead of the game on September 28 – just weeks before the tragedyCredit: PA
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