Police arrest man on suspicion of manslaughter over ice hockey player’s death

A man has been arrested on suspicion of manslaughter following the death of ice hockey player Adam Johnson.

South Yorkshire Police said that the man remains in police custody after being arrested on Tuesday.

Johnson died on October 28th after being hit in the neck by the skate of a member of the opposing team during Nottingham Panthers’ Challenge Cup match away at Sheffield Steelers.

The 29-year-old American later died in hospital.

Detective chief superintendent Becs Horsfall said: “Our investigation launched immediately following this tragedy and we have been carrying out extensive inquiries ever since to piece together the events which led to the loss of Adam in these unprecedented circumstances.

“We have been speaking to highly specialised experts in their field to assist in our inquiries and continue to work closely with the health and safety department at Sheffield City Council, which is supporting our ongoing investigation.

“Adam’s death has sent shockwaves through many communities, from our local residents here in Sheffield to ice hockey fans across the world.

“We know these communities will expect us to handle this investigation with the same professionalism, fairness and sensitivity as any other and request that members of the public refrain from comment and speculation which could hinder this process.

“Our thoughts remain with all affected by this devastating incident as inquiries continue.”

An inquest into Johnson’s death was opened and adjourned on November 3rd, but Sheffield’s senior coroner, Tanyka Rawden, has already called on the sport’s governing bodies to take action.

In a Prevention of Future Deaths Report to Ice Hockey UK and the English Ice Hockey Association (EIHA), Rawden said she was “sufficiently