A man has been arrested on suspicion of manslaughter and subsequently bailed following the death of hockey player Adam Johnson in Sheffield last month.
Johnson died after being cut in the neck by a skate during a game against the Sheffield Steelers on October 28 in what his club, the Nottingham Panthers, described as a “freak accident”.
South Yorkshire Police had opened an investigation and said on Tuesday that a man, who has not been named, had been arrested.
A statement read: “Officers investigating the death of Nottingham Panthers player Adam Johnson have made an arrest. Detectives have today (Tuesday 14 November) arrested a man on suspicion of manslaughter. He remains in police custody at this time.
“Adam’s family is being supported through the investigation by our officers. They have asked for their privacy to be respected at this incredibly difficult time.”
It was confirmed on Wednesday the man in question had been released on police bail with the investigation continuing.
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Detective chief superintendent Becs Horsfall said: “Our investigation launched immediately following this tragedy and we have been carrying out extensive enquiries 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 enquiries 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 enquiries continue.”
Johnson was taken to Sheffield’s Northern General Hospital on October 28 but died later that day as a result of his injury.
An inquest into his death was opened and adjourned on November 3.
Tributes from across the sport have been paid to Johnson, with fans invited by the Panthers to attend a memorial event at their home stadium.
The 29-year-old’s death has prompted an increased push for neck protection for players.
The English Ice Hockey Association (EIHA) announced it was making approved neck guards/protectors a mandatory piece of equipment for “players at all levels across English ice hockey”.
Editor’s note: Comments for this story are disabled because of legal reasons. In the United Kingdom, suspects who are arrested have the right to privacy until police officially charge them with a crime.
(Photo: Getty Images)
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