Steve Bruce breaks silence on baby grandson’s death as Man United legend mourns ‘tragedy of all tragedies’ – with 40-year-old woman arrested

Steve Bruce has admitted that he ‘thought about not coming back’ to football after dealing with the tragic passing of his four-month old grandson, Madison. 

Both Bruce and his son Alex, the uncle of Madison, took a step back from their duties temporarily, in the wake of the death that rocked their family. 

In the weeks that followed, Bruce released a moving statement after the tragic passing before eventually making a return to the Blackpool dugout. 

However, the Tangerines boss has now admitted that he considered stepping away from the sport after dealing with ‘the tragedy of all tragedies’.

Speaking to The Athletic, Bruce 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. 

Bruce admitted that after the ordeal he considered stepping away from football entirely

‘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. 

‘Was it a sidetrack to the grief? Possibly. The people here, who I work for, were fabulous and I didn’t want to let them down. 

‘They told me to take my time. I was away for a month or five weeks, whatever it was’. 

Back in December, a woman was arrested on suspicion of neglect over the death of English football manager Bruce’s four-month-old grandson. 

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.’

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.’

Bruce opened up on the passing of his four-month old grandson with an emotional statement

Back in October, the former Manchester United defender put out a statement thanking the club and the wider football community for their words of kindness in a time of understandable emotional strain. 

‘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,’ Bruce began.

‘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.

‘It has touched us all. I’d also like to thank David, Julian and the owner Simon for their understanding and support.

‘I look forward to seeing you all on Saturday at Gillingham, and back at Bloomfield Road. Look after your loved ones. Best wishes, Steve Bruce.’

After two years out, Bruce made a return to management after taking on the role at Bloomfield Road during the summer. 

Since then, Bruce has picked up 15 wins from his 38 matches in charge – with the side currently sitting 10th in the League One table. 

His side currently average 1.53 points-per-match, which is his highest ratio since his 18-game spell as Sheffield Wednesday boss back in 2019.