Man arrested on suspicion of manslaughter after hockey player Adam Johnson has throat slashed during game
Kit Roberts
Featured Image Credit: Joe Sargent/NHLI via Getty Images
Police have arrested a man on suspicion of manslaughter following the death of ice hockey player Adam Johnson.
Johnson, 29, died after sustaining an injury to his throat during a match against the Sheffield Steelers.
Police subsequently launched an investigation into Johnson's death, which has devastated the ice hockey community.
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A spokesperson for South Yorkshire Police told The Yorkshire Post: “Detectives have today (Tuesday 14 November) 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.”
Police have not named the person who has been arrested.
Detective Chief Superintendent Becs Horsfall said: "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.
"We 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.
"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."
An obituary for Johnson paid tribute to his 'loving and quiet demeanour'.
It read: "He enjoyed yard work, fishing, golfing with buddies, playing in the Iron Ice hockey tournament, projects around the house, reading, following the stock market and listening to his favorite music.
"Adam especially enjoyed his quiet coffee time with his fiancee Ryan, dreaming about their future, and taking in the mornings together.
"Adam loved to live a slower life and took pleasure in the small, everyday things."
His fiancée Ryan Wolf said in an Instagram post: "Rest in peace my sweet boy. We love you so much."
Players and fans from both Nottingham and other clubs traveled to hold a two minute silence for Johnson at the Panthers' home arena on 5 November.