A man arrested on suspicion of manslaughter following the death of ice hockey player Adam Johnson has been bailed pending further inquiries, South Yorkshire Police said.
Nottingham Panthers star Mr Johnson died when his throat was slit on Saturday, October 28. His team described the incident as a “freak accident.”
The 29-year-old briefly stood up, bleeding profusely on the ice, before collapsing again during the game in Sheffield. He received immediate medical attention, cardiopulmonary resuscitation was performed on the ice and he was taken to the hospital, but could not be saved.
Although the name of the person arrested has not been released in line with British law, South Yorkshire Police released a statement yesterday confirming that a man was in police custody following his arrest on Tuesday on suspicion of manslaughter.
South Yorkshire Police today confirmed he has been released on bail in the New Year as investigations continue.
An arrest was made Tuesday following the death of former NHL forward Adam Johnson
Mr 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 love you always.
One of Johnson’s family members was the first to speak out after the arrest
Detective Chief Superintendent Becs Horsfall said yesterday: “Our investigation was launched immediately following this tragedy and we have since been carrying out extensive inquiries to piece together the events that led to the loss of Adam in these unprecedented circumstances.”
“We have spoken to highly specialized experts in their field to support our investigations and continue to work closely with Sheffield City Council’s Health and Safety Department who are supporting our ongoing investigations.”
“Adam’s death has sent shockwaves across many communities, from our local residents here in Sheffield to hockey fans around the world.”
“We know that these communities expect us to handle this investigation with the same professionalism, fairness and sensitivity as everyone else, and we urge the public to refrain from comments or speculation that could impede this process.”
“Our thoughts are with everyone affected by this devastating incident as the investigation continues.”
An inquest into Mr Johnson’s death was opened and adjourned on November 3, but Sheffield’s chief coroner Tanyka Rawden has already called on the sport’s governing bodies to take action.
In a report on preventing future deaths to Ice Hockey UK and the English Ice Hockey Association (EIHA), Ms Rawden said she was “reasonably concerned that deaths could occur in the future if neck guards or protectors are not worn”, as both did Organizations said they had 56 days to say what action was taken – or why no action was taken.
The EIHA said neck guards will be 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 would not mandate the use of neck guards but would “strongly encourage” players and officials to wear them.
Adam Johnson (pictured) died in a “freak accident” after his throat was slit during a game on October 28
Mr. Johnson’s aunt, Kari, was the first in his family to speak publicly after yesterday’s arrest.
“We’ll just have to let it play out and see what happens,” she told The Mirror.
“Whatever they would have decided, I would have had to live with it. But I’m just glad that they’re conscientious about doing what they’re supposed to do.”
Mr. Johnson was buried in his home state of Minnesota just 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 since carried out extensive investigations to piece together the events that led to Adam’s death in these unprecedented circumstances,” South Yorkshire Detective Chief Inspector Becs Horsfall said in a statement before the man release .
“We have spoken to highly specialized experts in their field to support our investigations and continue to work closely with Sheffield City Council’s Health and Safety Department who are supporting our ongoing investigations.”
At a memorial service on Nov. 5, fans could be seen hugging each other and wiping tears from their eyes as they viewed the tributes and lined up on the ice to sign the condolence book, which was carpeted had been made so that people could go into the bowl.
Panthers fan Michelle Hallam had attended the fateful game with her young son and 40 of his classmates and made sure to keep his head down when it became clear that Johnson had been seriously injured.
She told BBC News that despite everything that had happened, her son “wanted to see all the honours”, adding that he was “nervous” just as he walked 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 were affected by last weekend’s game and the loss of Adam – and you feel you may need additional help and support – local mental health charities will be there to help those in the Motorpoint Arena foyer , who desire this. ‘Have a conversation.’
An obituary written for Johnson and posted on the Dougherty Funeral Home website in his hometown of Hibbing, Minnesota, paid tribute to the player.
Fans formed an orderly queue at the Motorpoint Arena in Nottingham to sign the book of condolence for Adam Johnson. Many hugged each other and wiped away tears
A tribute to Adam Johnson in front of the Motorpoint Arena. Handwritten notes on the T-shirt describe him as “a legend who disappeared far too soon.”
Johnson’s aunt said, “We’ll just have to let it play out 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) were supposed to get engaged
Before the Pittsburgh Penguins’ game against the Anaheim Ducks last night, both teams came together to recognize Mr. Johnson, who appeared in 13 NHL games for the Penguins
Johnson was also honored before Tuesday night’s game between the Vancouver Canucks and Nashville Predators
It said: “Adam had a quiet confidence 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 hockey league games have been paused since Johnson’s death, with games due to resume today – with all teams except Nottingham and Sheffield expected to compete.
Johnson is remembered around the world after the incident. Pittsburgh Penguins alumni took a moment to remember him before a game against the Anaheim Ducks on Monday.
There have been calls to make neck guards mandatory in professional ice hockey, but the Elite Ice Hockey League – the top professional league in the UK – says it will only “strongly encourage” players and officials to wear them.