A MAN has been arrested on suspicion of manslaughter following the death of ice hockey star Adam Johnson.
The Nottingham Panthers forward, 29, died after being hit by a skate in a collision with Sheffield Steelers’ Matt Petgrave last month.
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Johnson in action for the Pittsburgh Penguins while playing in the NHL Credit: AP
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Johnson with his girlfriend Ryan Wolfe, who was present at the game Credit: Instagram
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Fans watch as flowers are laid outside the Motorpoint Arena in Nottingham in memory of Johnson Credit: PA
Johnson suffered a cut to his neck in the collision at Utilita Arena on October 28, before dying of his injuries hours later.
A South Yorkshire Police spokesman said: “Detectives have today arrested a man on suspicion of manslaughter. He is currently in police custody.
“On October 28, Adam, aged 29, was seriously injured during a match between Nottingham Panthers and Sheffield Steelers and was sadly later pronounced dead in hospital.
“An autopsy confirmed that 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, US, Adam’s grieving aunt Kari Johnson said: “We’ll just have to let it play out and see what happens.
“Whatever they decided, I would have to live with it.
“But I’m just glad they’re diligently doing what they’re supposed to be doing.”
Detective Chief Superintendent Becs Horsfall added: “Our investigation was launched immediately after this tragedy and since then we have been carrying out extensive inquiries to piece together the events that led to the loss of Adam in these unprecedented circumstances.
“We have spoken to highly specialized experts in their field to assist with our inquiries and continue to work closely with Sheffield City Council’s health and safety department, who are supporting our ongoing investigation.
“Adam’s death has sent shockwaves through many communities, from our local residents here in Sheffield to ice hockey fans around the world.
“We know that these communities will expect us to conduct this investigation with the same professionalism, fairness and sensitivity as any other and we request that members of the public refrain from comment and speculation that could derail this process.
“Our thoughts remain with everyone affected by this devastating incident as investigations continue.”
The Panthers were playing against the Sheffield Steelers when a collision occurred in the 35th minute of the game.
Johnson immediately fell to the floor, before being helped to the side of the rink by a referee and a teammate.
However, he collapsed a few steps later and received emergency medical treatment on the ice.
Teammates formed a ring around him to ensure privacy while 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 received a standing ovation last night as he appeared on screen as the Steelers returned to the ice for the first time.
More than 8,000 fans observed a minute’s silence before the Steelers’ 2-1 win against the Coventry Blaze.
Players could be seen banging their hockey sticks on the ice at the Utilita Arena Sheffield as the crowd clapped for a minute.
Adam’s family watched the match via live stream from their homes in the US.
Johnson’s aunt Kari told Sky News: “We all 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 that this was happening.
Kari said Adam had a “great time” playing in the UK and plans to get engaged to girlfriend Ryan Woolfe this summer.
After his death, Ryan, with whom Adam lived in England, shared a picture of her tragic boyfriend on Instagram.
She wrote: “My sweet, sweet angel. I will miss you forever and love you always.”
Fans gathered around Nottingham’s Motorpoint Arena over the next two days to lay a sea of flowers in tribute.
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Johnson’s girlfriend Ryan (pictured together) said she would love him forever after his deathCredit: Instagram/ryanwolfe17
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Candles lit among flowers and messages left in tribute to Johnson outside the Motorpoint Arena in NottinghamCredit: PA
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