Man arrested over ‘manslaughter’ of ice hockey star Adam Johnson whose ‘throat was slashed by Matt Petgrave’s skate’

A MAN has been arrested on suspicion of manslaughter over the death of ice hockey star Adam Johnson.

The Nottingham Panthers forward, 29, died after he was struck by an ice skate in a collision with Sheffield Steelers’ Matt Petgrave last month.

Johnson suffered a gash to the neck in the collision at the Utilita Arena on October 28, before he died of his injuries hours later.

A spokesman for South Yorkshire Police said: “Detectives have today arrested a man on suspicion of manslaughter. He remains in police custody at this time.

“On October 28, Adam, aged 29, was seriously injured during a game between Nottingham Panthers and Sheffield Steelers and was sadly later pronounced deceased in hospital.

“A post-mortem examination confirmed he died as a result of a fatal neck injury.”

Johnson’s family spoke out after the arrest.

Reacting to the news from her home in Kelly Lake, Minnesota, in the US, Adam’s grieving aunt Kari Johnson 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.”

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.

“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.”

The Panthers were playing against the Sheffield Steelers when the collision took place in the 35th minute of the game.

Johnson immediately fell to the floor, before being helped towards the side of the rink by a referee and teammate.

However, he collapsed a few paces later and received emergency medical treatment on the ice.

Teammates created a ring around him to provide privacy as paramedics worked on the ice, before he was rushed to hospital.

But Johnson died of his injuries hours later, the Panthers confirmed in a club statement.

Petgrave was last night given a standing ovation as he appeared on a screen as the Steelers returned to the ice for the first time.

More than 8,000 fans observed a moment of silence in tribute to him before the Steelers’ 2-1 win against Coventry Blaze.

Players could be seen banging their hockey sticks on the ice at the Utilita Arena Sheffield while the crowd applauded for a minute.

Adam’s family were watching the game on a live stream from their homes in the US.

Johnson’s aunt Kari told Sky News: “We all just broke down: it was a mess, it was a nightmare, it was like it wasn’t real.

“We were in shock, we couldn’t believe this was happening.”

Kari said Adam had been “having the time of his life” playing in the UK and was planning to get engaged to girlfriend Ryan Woolfe this summer.

Following his death Ryan, who Adam lived with in England, shared a picture of her tragic boyfriend on Instagram.

She wrote: “My sweet, sweet angel. I’ll miss you forever and love you always.”

Fans gathered around the Motorpoint Arena in Nottingham over the following two days to lay a sea of flowers in tribute.