Man Arrested on Suspicion of Manslaughter in the Death of Ex-NHL Player Adam Johnson
Police in England arrested someone this week in connection with the death of former NHL player Adam Johnson, TMZ reported. South Yorkshire Police (SYP) reported that they took a man into custody Tuesday on suspicion of manslaughter.
Johnson died from injuries he sustained when Matt Petgrave’s skate slashed his neck during an Elite Ice Hockey League game in England on October 28. Police did not confirm if Petgrave is the person in custody.
"Our investigation launched immediately following this tragedy and we have been carrying out extensive inquiries ever since to piece together the events which led to the loss of Adam in these unprecedented circumstances," SYP detective chief superintendent Becs Horsfall confirmed in a statement (via TMZ).
Johnson’s team, the Nottingham Panthers, were playing against Petgrave’s Sheffield Steelers when the tragedy occurred. Video shows Johnson crossing the blueline as Petrave kicks into the air, slashing Johnson’s throat. Johnson was rushed to the hospital but quickly died from his injuries. The Panthers previously characterized the event as a “freak accident.”
A coroner’s report released last week found that Johnson died after he “sustained an incised wound to the neck caused by the skate of another player.”
"Adam's death has sent shockwaves through many communities, from our local residents here in Sheffield to ice hockey fans across the world," Horsfall said. "Our thoughts remain with all affected by this devastating incident as inquiries continue."
Johnson played 13 games over two seasons with the Pittsburgh Penguins. He also played with teams in Sweden and Germany before signing on to play in Nottingham for the 2023–’24 season.
