Family member of Adam Johnson speaks out after manslaughter arrest was made during investigation into former NHL star’s death: ‘I’m just glad they are being diligent’

  • Adam Johnson was buried last week at home in his native Minnesota
  • The former Pittsburgh Penguins star died after being cut by a skate blade
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One of Adam Johnson’s family members has spoken out following an arrest in Britain in connection with the former NHL star’s death.

Johnson was playing for the Nottingham Panthers in the EIHL when he was cut by the skate blade of Sheffield Steelers’ defenseman Matt Petgrave during a play.

The name of the person arrested has not been released in accordance with a British law that prohibits anyone from being named until he or she is formally charged with a crime. The arrest took place on suspicion of manslaughter.

Johnson’s aunt, Kari, was the first in his family to make public comments in the wake of the arrest.

“We just have to let it happen and see what happens,” Kari Johnson told The Mirror.

An arrest was made Tuesday in connection with the death of former NHL forward Adam Johnson

One of Johnson's family members was the first to speak out since the arrest

One of Johnson’s family members was the first to speak out since the arrest

Johnson's aunt said,

Johnson’s aunt said, “We just have to let it happen and see what happens.”

‘Whatever they decided, I would have to live with it. But I’m just glad they’re being diligent and doing what they need to do.”

Johnson was recently buried in his home state of Minnesota last week.

South Yorkshire Police announced at the end of October that they were investigating the circumstances surrounding the death of the former Pittsburgh Penguins star.

“Our investigation began immediately after this tragedy and since then we have carried out extensive investigations to piece together the events that led to the loss of Adam in these unprecedented circumstances,” South Yorkshire Detective Chief Inspector Becs Horsfall said in a statement .

‘We have spoken to highly specialist experts in their fields to help us with our investigations and continue to work closely with Sheffield City Council’s health and safety department, who are supporting our ongoing investigation.’