Star's family break silence as cops' manslaughter arrest after ice hockey death

14 November 2023 , 18:10

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Adam Johnson tragically died last month (Image: AP)

Adam Johnson's family have spoken out after a man was on suspicion of manslaughter in connection with his death.

Johnson was fatally injured following an on-ice collision with Matt Petgrave while playing for the Nottingham Panthers in a Challenge Cup game against the Sheffield Steelers last month. The American's death was confirmed at a nearby hospital. He was aged just 29.

South Yorkshire Police have now confirmed an arrest has been made: "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," detective chief superintendent Becs Horsfall said.

"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."

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Johnson's aunt Kari has now spoken out following the arrest, saying: "We're just going to have to let it play out and see what happens. Whatever they'd decided, I would have had to live with it. But I'm just glad they are being diligent with doing what they're supposed to be doing."

Johnson was recently laid to rest in his hometown of Hibbing, Minnesotta with his family paying tribute to the 29-year-old in an emotional obituary. They said: "Adam loved the outdoors and the simple things in life.

Johnson's aunt Kari has spoken out about the arrest (Facebook)

Johnson was just 29 years old (Icon Sportswire via Getty Images)

"He enjoyed yard work, fishing, golfing with buddies, playing in the Iron Ice hockey tournament, projects around the house, reading, following the stock market and listening to his favourite music. Adam especially enjoyed his quiet coffee time with his fiancee Ryan, dreaming about their future, and taking in the mornings together.

"Adam loved to live a slower life and took pleasure in the small, everyday things. Simple pleasures Adam enjoyed were manually grinding his coffee beans, seeing the colours of each sunset, sitting lakeside by a bonfire with a glass of his favourite red wine, and trying out new dinner recipes. But more than anything, he loved a good deal on Costco steaks.

"He was many things to many people, but to those who were lucky enough to be loved by Adam knew he was thoughtful, patient and genuinely authentic. He loved his fiancee, family, and friends above all else. His loving and quiet demeanour will be eternally missed."

Matthew Cooper