Individual detained on manslaughter allegations following the demise of a British ice hockey player
Last month, Adam Johnson, a former NHL player and native of Minnesota, suffered a neck injury from a skate blade during a game.
A man was taken into custody on Tuesday under suspicion of manslaughter in relation to the demise of professional ice hockey player Adam Johnson. The 29-year-old athlete was fatally injured by a skate blade during a Champion Cup game between the Nottingham Panthers and the Sheffield Steelers on October 28.
Tragically, Johnson succumbed to a severe neck injury at the hospital. Initially termed a “freak accident” by his team, the incident prompted an evacuation of fans from the venue due to the unfolding medical emergency.
“Our inquiry commenced immediately following this tragic incident, and we have been conducting thorough investigations ever since to reconstruct the sequence of events leading to the unfortunate loss of Adam in these unprecedented circumstances,” stated South Yorkshire Detective Chief Superintendent Becs Horsfall.
The investigation is still ongoing, with the unidentified suspect remaining in police custody, according to authorities.
Johnson, a native of Minnesota who participated in 13 NHL games with the Pittsburgh Penguins, met an untimely demise.
Following Johnson’s passing, the English Ice Hockey Association, responsible for governing the sport below the Elite League, announced that starting in 2024, all players in England would be mandated to wear neck guards.
In memory of Johnson, the Nottingham Panthers will be competing in a match against Manchester Storm on Saturday.
