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 described as a “freak accident” by Mr Johnson’s team.
The 29-year-old briefly got 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 released a statement yesterday confirming that a man was in custody following his arrest on Tuesday.
The arrest was made on suspicion of manslaughter.
Adam Johnson (pictured) died in a ‘freak accident’ after having his throat cut during a match on October 28.
An arrest was made Tuesday in the death of former NHL forward Adam Johnson
One of Johnson’s family members was the first to speak out after the arrest.
Johnson’s aunt said: ‘We’re just going to have to let things play out and see what happens’
Johnson’s aunt, Kari, was the first in her family to make public comments following his arrest yesterday.
“We’re just going to have to let things play out and see what happens,” Kari Johnson said. The mirror.
“Whatever they decided, I would have had to live with it. But I’m just glad they’re diligently doing what they’re supposed to do.
Johnson was recently laid to rest in his home state of Minnesota last week.
South Yorkshire Police announced in late October that they were investigating the circumstances surrounding the death of the former Pittsburgh Penguins star.
“Our investigation was launched immediately after this tragedy and we have carried out extensive inquiries since to piece together the events which led to the loss of Adam in these unprecedented circumstances,” said South Yorkshire Detective Chief Superintendent, Becs Horsfall, in a statement to the man’s court. release.
“We have spoken to highly specialized experts in their field 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 condolences, for which a mat had been laid out to allow people to enter the bowl. .
Panthers fan Michelle Hallam had attended the fateful game with her young son and 40 of his classmates, making sure he kept 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 happened, adding that he was “nervous” 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 game and the loss of Adam – and feel you may need further help and support – organizations Local mental health charities will be in the foyer of Motorpoint Arena for those who wish 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 Nottingham’s Motorpoint Arena to sign Adam Johnson’s book of condolence. Many hugged each other and could be seen wiping away tears
A tribute to Adam Johnson in front of the Motorpoint Arena. Handwritten notes on the shirt describe him as a “legend…gone too soon.”
The incident happened at Utilita Arena Sheffield (pictured) and was reportedly seen by around 8,000 fans.
Adam Johnson and Ryan Wolfe (pictured together) were set to get engaged
Johnson’s girlfriend Ryan Wolfe, who moved to the UK 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 I will always love you’
Before the Pittsburgh Penguins’ game against the Anaheim Ducks last night, both teams came together to pay tribute to Mr. Johnson, who appeared in 13 NHL games with the Penguins.
Johnson was also honored before the Vancouver Canucks-Nashville Predators game Tuesday night.
It read: “Adam had a quiet confidence about himself and never boasted.
“He never sought to be the center of attention, but rather preferred to listen to others and do what he could to make them feel important.”
Matches in the National Ice Hockey League have been suspended since Johnson’s death, and matches are expected to resume today – all teams except Nottingham and Sheffield are expected to compete.
Johnson is being remembered around the world after the incident, and Pittsburgh Penguins alumni took a moment to remember him before Monday’s game against the Anaheim Ducks.
There have been calls for neck guards to be made compulsory in professional ice hockey, but the Elite Ice Hockey League – the UK’s premier professional league – says it will only ‘strongly encourage’ players and officials to wear them.
