Man arrested over manslaughter of Adam Johnson, 29, is rebailed as probe into unprecedented neck slash death in front of 8,000 fans continues

Police have issued an update on the man arrested over the death of an ice hockey star whose neck was fatally slashed during a match in front of 8,000 fans.


Police have issued an update on the man arrested over the death of an ice hockey star whose neck was fatally slashed during a match in front of 8,000 fans. 

Adam Johnson suffered the horrific injury while playing for the Nottingham Panthers against the Sheffield Steelers on October 28, last year. 

The 29-year-old American was hit in the neck by the blade of an opposition players skate at Sheffields Utilita Arena.

Despite valiant efforts to try and save him, the ice hockey star died in hospital. A post-mortem examination confirmed his cause of death as a neck injury. 

South Yorkshire Police arrested a man on suspicion of manslaughter in November 2023 before baling him. He has since been rebailed until January 20, 2025, the force revealed this week. 

Nottingham Panthers star Adam Johnson, 29, was fatally injured in front of 8,000 fans at Sheffields Utilita Arena after being struck by his opponent Matt Petgrave s skate on October 28 last year

Adam Johnson suffered the horrific injury while playing for the Nottingham Panthers against the Sheffield Steelers on October 28, last year.

The American athletes death stunned ice hockey fans across the world. His number 47 jersey has since been retired by his former team, in tribute (pictured is a fan holding his shirt)

The American athletes death stunned ice hockey fans across the world. His number 47 jersey has since been retired by his former team, in tribute (pictured is a fan holding his shirt)

Fans lay flowers outside the Motor Point arena in Nottingham. Mr Johnsons  death shocked the ice hockey world

Fans lay flowers outside the Motor Point arena in Nottingham. Mr Johnsons  death shocked the ice hockey world 

Giving an update on the tragedy, Detective Chief Inspector Benjamin Wood said: We have been working meticulously to fully understand the unprecedented circumstances in which Adam sadly lost his life.

This complex investigation into Adams death remains ongoing and we are continuing to work closely with the Crown Prosecution Service.

Our thoughts remain wholeheartedly with Adams family at this time.

Mr Johnsons death shocked the ice hockey world, especially as the incident was witnessed by thousands of fans at the arena in Sheffield.

Victor Bjorkung who was part on the ice rink that day playing against the Steelers said: It still feels unreal. I think about it every day, more or less. I do get a lot of flashbacks, and theyre not very pleasant.

In January, Sheffields senior coroner, Tanyka Rawden, suspended her investigation while the police inquiry took its course.

It emerged later that Ms Rawden had issued a Prevention of Future Deaths Report to Ice Hockey UK and the English Ice Hockey Association (EIHA) about the use of neck guards in the sport.

In the report, the coroner said she is sufficiently concerned that deaths may occur in the future if neck guards or protectors are not worn, with the bodies given 56 days to say what action has been taken - or why action has not been taken.

Johnson, 29, died after an opposing players skate slashed his neck during a game in October last year

Johnson, 29, died after an opposing players skate slashed his neck during a game in October last year

Nottingham Panthers later retired Adam Johnsons No 47 jersey following his death
Johnson previously wore the No.47 jersey during his time at the club

Nottingham Panthers later retired Adam Johnsons No 47 jersey following his death

Neck guards have been mandatory in the Elite League (EIHL), in which the Nottingham Panthers and Sheffield Steelers compete, since January 1.

This followed the International Ice Hockey Federations decision in December to mandate the use of neck laceration protectors for its competitions.

Mr Johnson had joined the Nottingham Panthers in August after spells in Germany and Sweden.

He previously played 13 games for the Pittsburgh Penguins in North Americas National Hockey League, the sports elite club competition.

South Yorkshire Police
Источник: Daily Online

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