Man arrested on suspicion of manslaughter of ice hockey star Adam Johnson bailed
South Yorkshire Police have announced the man arrested on suspicion of manslaughter following the death of Nottingham Panthers' Adam Johnson has been released on bail.
The incident, in which Johnson's throat was slashed by the skate blade of Sheffield Steelers player Matt Petgrave, took place on October 28 when the Steelers hosted Nottingham in the Challenge Cup at the Sheffield Arena. Proceedings were halted in the second period when it became clear Johnson was in severe distress following the collision.
The 29-year-old initially tried to get to his feet, but collapsed before reaching the bench with his blood strewn on the ice. Medical professionals administered immediate attention, including CPR, but Johnson was pronounced dead after being rushed to hospital.
A man was arrested on Tuesday on suspicion of manslaughter in connection with the incident. But he has now been released on bail.
In a statement following the initial arrest, South Yorkshire Police said: "Detectives have today arrested a man on suspicion of manslaughter. He remains in police custody at this time.
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"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."
Detective Chief Superintendent Becs Horsfall added: "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.
Johnson tragically lost his life in the incident at Sheffield Arena (NHLI via Getty Images)"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."
Sheffield returned to action at the weekend, playing their first home game since the incident took place on Sunday against the Coventry Blaze. Petgrave, who wears the No.22 shirt for the Steelers but didn't feature in the match, was given a standing ovation by the 8,000-strong crowd as the clock struck 22 minutes. Tributes were also paid to Johnson, including a minute's applause before the game.
Johnson's aunt, Kari, spoke after the arrest, welcoming the police investigation. She said: "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."
Tributes were paid to Johnson from across the hockey community (AP)Johnson was recently laid to rest in his hometown of Hibbing, Minnesotta with his family paying tribute in an emotional obituary. They said: "Adam loved the outdoors and the simple things in life.
"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."
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