Police in England have arrested a suspect in connection with the death of former NHL player Adam Johnson, who tragically died last month when his neck was cut by an opposing player’s skate.
South Yorkshire Police issued a statement on Tuesday confirming an arrest as part of their investigation into the death of Johnson, 29. The suspect, who was not identified by authorities, was arrested on suspicion of involuntary manslaughter.
Adam Johnson #47 of the Pittsburgh Penguins skates against the Carolina Hurricanes at PPG Paints Arena on March 31, 2019 in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. (Joe Sargent/NHLI via Getty Images)
Police said the suspect remains in custody.
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The former Pittsburgh Penguins forward was playing in a Challenge Cup game between the Nottingham Panthers and the Sheffield Steelers in Sheffield Arena Utility on Oct. 28 when, during the second period, he suffered a fatal neck injury.
Sheffield’s Matt Petgrave collided with another player, causing his skate to go airborne.
The Nottingham Panthers later issued a statement confirming Johnson’s death, calling it a «freak accident.»
Police said Tuesday that an autopsy revealed the official cause of death was the result of a «fatal neck injury.»
Adam Johnson #47 of the Pittsburgh Penguins skates against the Nashville Predators at PPG Paints Arena on March 29, 2019 in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. (Joe Sargent/NHLI via Getty Images)
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«Our investigation was launched immediately after this tragedy and we have been carrying out extensive inquiries since then to piece together the events that led to the loss of Adam in these unprecedented circumstances,» Detective Chief Superintendent Becs Horsfall said in a statement.
«Adam’s death has shocked 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 handle this investigation with the same professionalism, fairness and sensitivity as any other and they will request «That the public refrain from making comments and speculations that could hinder this process. “Our thoughts remain with all those affected by this devastating incident as investigations continue.”
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