Arrest Made in Connection to the Death of Ice Hockey Player Adam Johnson

The U.K. authorities have arrested a suspect connected to the death of former NHL athlete Adam Johnson. The South Yorkshire police confirmed that a male suspect is being held on suspicion of manslaughter in connection with Johnson’s death. Johnson, who had been playing for the Nottingham Panthers against the Sheffield Steelers, died after his neck was slashed by the skate of a rival athlete, Matt Petgrave.

Video footage captured the terrifying moment when Petgrave’s skates clipped Johnson’s neck during the game. An autopsy confirmed that Johnson died as a result of a fatal neck injury. Following Johnson’s death, there has been an increased call for a focus on ice hockey player safety, specifically on whether protective neck guards should be mandated. The Panthers described his death as a “freak accident.”

South Yorkshire Detective Chief Superintendent Becs Horsfall stated, “Adam’s death has sent shockwaves through many communities, from our local residents here in Sheffield to ice hockey fans across the world. Our thoughts remain with all affected by this devastating incident as inquiries continue.”