Man arrested on suspicion of manslaughter after ice hockey player’s death
A man has been arrested on suspicion of manslaughter after a professional ice hockey player died from a neck injury sustained during a match in Sheffield.
Adam Johnson, 29, was playing for Nottingham Panthers against Sheffield Steelers at the Utilita Arena when he was seriously hurt on Saturday 28 October.
He was later pronounced dead at Northern General Hospital in Sheffield. A post-mortem examination confirmed he died as a result of a fatal neck injury.
South Yorkshire Police said that detectives arrested a suspect on suspicion of manslaughter on Tuesday 14 November. He remains in police custody at this time, the force added.
Detective Chief Superintendent Becs Horsfall said: âOur investigation launched immediately following this tragedy and we have been carrying out extensive enquiries ever since to piece together the events which led to the loss of Adam in these unprecedented circumstances.
âWe have been speaking to highly specialised experts in their field to assist in our enquiries and continue to work closely with the health and safety department at Sheffield City Council, which is supporting our ongoing investigation.
âAdamâs death has sent shockwaves through many communities, from our local residents here in Sheffield to ice hockey fans across the world.
âWe know these communities will expect us to handle this investigation with the same professionalism, fairness and sensitivity as any other and request that members of the public refrain from comment and speculation which could hinder this process. Our thoughts remain with all affected by this devastating incident as enquiries continue.â
The death of the American has shocked the ice hockey world, especially as the incident happened in front of 8,000 fans, including many children.
Johnson previously competed across the US and Canada in the National Hockey League â the sportâs elite level â representing the Pittsburgh Penguins from 2018 to 2020.
Following stints in Sweden and Germany, he joined the Panthers in August, who are members of the Elite Ice Hockey League, a 10-team set-up comprising outfits from across the UK. It is the most senior level of ice hockey in the UK.
Fans paid tribute to Johnson earlier this month at Nottinghamâs Motorpoint Arena, signing books of condolence on the ice.
Hundreds of floral tributes to Johnson were also left outside the venue in Bolero Square.
The club announced the creation of an official fundraising page to raise money for the Love for Hibbing and Hockey Memorial Fund â established in Johnsonâs memory.
Johnsonâs funeral took take place on 5 November in the US, according to an obituary posted on the website of Dougherty Funeral Home in Hibbing, Minnesota.
The obituary stated: âAdam had a quiet confidence about him and was never boastful.
âHe was never looking to be the centre of attention, but rather he preferred to listen to others and do what he could to make them feel important.â
On 3 November, Sheffieldâs senior coroner Tanyka Rawden opened and adjourned an inquest into Johnsonâs death at Sheffieldâs Medico-Legal Centre.
Ms Rawden concluded the four minute-long hearing by saying she wanted to âtake this opportunity to offer to his family, his friends and all those who knew him, my sincere condolences at this difficult timeâ.
None of Johnsonâs family were in court for the brief hearing.
The Elite Ice Hockey League has said it will not make the use of neck guards mandatory, but âstrongly encouragesâ players and officials to wear them.
The English Ice Hockey Association has since said neck guards will become mandatory from 2024, but the Elite League is not under the governing bodyâs control.