Police issue update on man arrested in connection with hockey player who died after his throat was slashed during game

Police have shared an update following news that a man was arrested on suspicion of manslaughter over the death of ice hockey player Adam Johnson.

On October 28 last year, Johnson died during a match at Sheffield's Utilita Arena after sustaining an injury to his throat. The 29-year-old hockey star was playing for the Nottingham Panthers in a match against the Sheffield Steelers.

Johnson died in a hospital and a post-mortem examination confirmed that his death was a result of a neck injury.

Johnson died from a neck injury last year. (Joe Sargent/NHLI via Getty Images)

At the time, a man was arrested on suspicion of manslaughter. He was then bailed by the South Yorkshire Police.

However police have since confirmed that the man was re-bailed until November 11 this week, with authorities saying the investigation into Johnson's death is still 'ongoing.'

In a statement the South Yorkshire Police wrote, "Our investigation is ongoing, and our thoughts remain with Adam's family.

"If there are any developments in the investigation ahead of the new bail expiry date, these will be issued proactively on the South Yorkshire Police website."

Johnson's death came as a shock to the ice hockey community. (Joe Sargent/NHLI via Getty Images)

When the man was arrested last year, a spokesperson for South Yorkshire Police told The Yorkshire Post: “Detectives have today (14 November 2023) arrested a man on suspicion of manslaughter. He remains in police custody at this time.

"On Saturday 28 October, Adam, aged 29, was seriously injured during a game between Nottingham Panthers and Sheffield Steelers and was sadly later pronounced deceased in hospital.

"A post-mortem examination confirmed he died as a result of a fatal neck injury.”

The man arrested by police hasn't been named.

Detective Chief Superintendent Becs Horsfall also added at the time: "Our 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.

Johnson was 29 years old at the time of his death. (Matthew Ashton - AMA/Getty Images)

"We have been speaking to highly specialized 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.

"Adam's death has sent shockwaves through many communities, from our local residents here in Sheffield to ice hockey fans across the world.

"We 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."