In connection with the death of ice hockey player Adam Johnson, whose throat was sliced during a game, a man has been taken into custody on suspicion of manslaughter.
During the game on October 28, a Sheffield Steelers player’s skate struck the Nottingham Panthers player in the neck.
After being brought to the hospital, the 29-year-old was declared dead.
He died from a fatal neck injury, according to a post-mortem examination, according to South Yorkshire Police.
According to the force, the suspect was taken into custody by investigators on Wednesday.
Becs Horsfall, Detective Chief Superintendent, South Yorkshire Police: “We have been carrying out extensive inquiries 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.”
“Comment and speculation which could hinder” the police investigation, she asked the public to avoid.
Johnson was a US citizen from Minnesota, and his passing caused anguish to be felt all around the world.
He had previously played for the Pittsburgh Penguins 13 times in the National Hockey League (NHL) of North America.
After stints with the American Hockey League’s Ontario Reign and Lehigh Valley Phantoms, he moved to the Swedish Hockey League (SHL) for the 2020–21 season.
Before joining the Nottingham Panthers in August, Johnson was a player with the Augsburger Panthers in Germany.
Earlier this month, Johnson’s inquiry was begun and adjourned.
Following Johnson’s passing, coroner Tanyka Rawden demanded that neck protection be required in ice hockey games in a report aimed at preventing such deaths.