A man has been arrested on suspicion of manslaughter over the death of 29-year-old American ice hockey player Adam Johnson after his neck was cut during what eventually became his final match on October 28.
Johnson played with the Nottingham Panthers in the UK's Elite Ice Hockey League (EIHL) when he was hit in the neck by the skate of a member of the Sheffield Steelers during the game. He was eventually taken to hospital where he was pronounced dead.
The incident has been described as a "freak accident" by the Panthers, the BBC reported.
Man Arrested over Johnson's Death, Police Say
South Yorkshire Police said that Johnson died as a result of a fatal neck injury when it conducted a post-mortem examination.
The man arrested in relation to his death remained in custody as of Tuesday (November 14).
"We have been carrying out extensive inquiries to piece together the events which led to the loss of Adam in these unprecedented circumstances," South Yorkshire Police detective Becs Horsfall said. "Adam's death has sent shockwaves through many communities, from our local residents here in Sheffield to ice hockey fans across the world."
Horsfall added that the force has been speaking with sports and forensic experts to assist in their inquiries as investigations continue. She also urged members of the public to refrain from "comment and speculation which could hinder" police investigation.
A Career Cut Short
The death of the Minnesota local sparked an outpouring of grief across the world.
Johnson previously played for the Pittsburgh Penguins in the National Hockey League (NHL) before moving on to the Swedish Hockey League for the 2020-21 season. He then played for the Ontario Reign and the Lehigh Valley Phantoms in the American Hockey League.
Johnson then played for the Augsburger Panther in Germany before switching to the Nottingham Panthers in August.
In order to prevent a repeat of Johnson's death, local coroner Tanyka Rawden called for the compulsory use of neck guards in ice hockey. While the EIHL announced it would not make neckguards mandatory, they "strongly encourage" players and officials to wear them.
But the English Ice Hockey Association previously said neck guards would be mandatory from 2024 onwards.
