A man arrested on suspicion of manslaughter following the death of ice hockey player Adam Johnson has been released on bail pending further investigations, South Yorkshire Police said.
Nottingham Panthers star Mr. Johnson died when his throat was slit on Saturday, October 28, in an incident labeled a ‘freak accident’ by Mr Johnson’s team.
The 29-year-old briefly stood up, bleeding profusely on the ice, before collapsing again during the match in Sheffield. He received immediate medical attention, with CPR performed on the ice, and was taken to hospital, but could not be saved.
Although the name of the person arrested has not been released in accordance with UK law, South Yorkshire Police yesterday released a statement confirming that a man was in police custody on suspicion of manslaughter following his arrest on Tuesday.
South Yorkshire Police today confirmed he has been released on bail for a date in the New Year while investigations continue.
An arrest was made Tuesday in the death of former NHL forward Adam Johnson
Johnson’s girlfriend Ryan Wolfe, who moved to Britain with him this year and had to identify his body in hospital, shared a photo on Instagram: ‘My sweet, sweet angel. I will miss you forever and love you always.”
One of Johnson’s family members was the first to speak out after the arrest was made
Detective Chief Inspector Becs Horsfall said yesterday: ‘Our investigation commenced immediately after this tragedy and we have since carried out extensive investigations to piece together the events leading to the loss of Adam in these unprecedented circumstances.
‘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.
“Adam’s death has sent shockwaves through many communities, from our local residents here in Sheffield to hockey fans around the world.
“We know that these communities expect us to treat this investigation with the same professionalism, fairness and sensitivity as any other investigation and request that members of the public refrain from comment and speculation that could hinder this process.
“Our thoughts remain with all those affected by this devastating incident as investigations continue.”
An inquest into Mr Johnson’s death was opened and adjourned on November 3, but Sheffield’s senior coroner Tanyka Rawden has already called on the sport’s governing bodies to take action.
In a Prevention of Future Deaths Report to Ice Hockey UK and the English Ice Hockey Association (EIHA), Ms Rawden said she is ‘sufficiently concerned that deaths may occur in the future if neck gaiters or protectors are not worn’, with the bodies are stated 56 days to say what action has been taken – or why no action has been taken.
The EIHA said neck protectors will become mandatory from 2024, but the Elite League, in which the Nottingham Panthers and Sheffield Steelers compete, is not under its control.
The Elite Ice Hockey League said it will not mandate the use of neck guards but will “strongly encourage” players and officials to wear them.
Adam Johnson (pictured) died in a ‘freak accident’ after his throat was slit during a match on October 28
Johnson’s aunt, Kari, was the first in his family to comment publicly yesterday in the wake of the arrest.
“We just have to let it happen and see what happens,” Kari Johnson said The mirror.
‘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 commenced immediately after this tragedy and we have since carried out extensive investigations to piece together the events leading to the loss of Adam in these unprecedented circumstances,” Detective Chief Inspector Becs Horsfall said in a statement for the man’s police. Edition.
‘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.’
At a memorial event on November 5, fans could be seen hugging each other and wiping away tears as they watched the tributes and lined up on the ice to sign the book of condolence, which had a carpet laid for people to walk into the bowl . .
Panthers fan Michelle Hallam had attended the fateful game with her young son and 40 of his classmates, and made sure he put his head down when it became clear Johnson had been seriously injured.
She said BBC news her son “wanted to see all the tributes” despite what had happened, adding that he was “tense” just walking near the arena.
The Panthers said in an earlier statement that the tragedy was “still very raw” for players and staff.
The team said: ‘If you have been affected by last weekend’s match and the loss of Adam – and you think you may need some extra help and support – local mental health charities will be in the foyer of the Motorpoint Arena will be present for those who want it. to have a conversation.’
An obituary written for Johnson, posted on the website of Dougherty Funeral Home in his hometown of Hibbing, Minnesota, paid tribute to the player.
Fans formed an orderly queue at Motorpoint Arena in Nottingham to sign the book of condolence for Adam Johnson. Many hugged each other and were seen wiping away tears
A tribute to Adam Johnson outside the Motorpoint Arena. Handwritten notes on the shirt describe him as a ‘legend…gone way too soon’
Johnson’s Aunt Said: ‘We Just Have to Let It Happen and See What Happens’
The incident took place at the Utilita Arena Sheffield (pictured) and is believed to have been witnessed by around 8,000 fans
Adam Johnson and Ryan Wolfe (pictured together) are reportedly getting engaged
Before the Pittsburgh Penguins’ game against the Anaheim Ducks last night, both teams came together for a tribute to Mr. Johnson, who played in 13 NHL games with the Penguins.
Johnson was also honored Tuesday night prior to the game between the Vancouver Canucks and the Nashville Predators
It read: “Adam had a quiet confidence about him and was never boastful.
“He never wanted to be the center of attention, preferring instead to listen to others and do what he could to make them feel important.”
National ice hockey competitions have been suspended since Johnson’s death and will resume today. All teams, with the exception of Nottingham and Sheffield, are expected to participate.
Johnson is being remembered around the world following the incident, with Pittsburgh Penguins alumni taking a moment to remember him ahead of a game against the Anaheim Ducks on Monday.
There have been calls for neck protectors to be made mandatory in professional ice hockey, but the Elite Ice Hockey League – the highest professional league in Britain – says it will only “strongly encourage” players and officials to wear them.