Family of ice hockey star who died during game break silence after man arrested on suspicion of manslaughter
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Featured Image Credit: Facebook/Kari Johnson/Joe Sargent/NHLI via Getty Images
Ice hockey fans around the world were left horrified when Nottingham Panthers player Adam Johnson tragically died following a 'freak accident' during a game last month (28 October).
Yesterday (November 15), an unnamed man was arrested on suspicion of manslaughter, and has since been released on bail.
The Panthers were playing against the Sheffield Steelers in a Challenge Cup game in front of 8,000 fans, when Johnson collided with an opponent on the ice and the other player's blade cut him across the neck.
Despite desperate attempts to save the 29-year-old's life, his injuries were too severe and he later passed away.
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A spokesperson for South Yorkshire Police told The Yorkshire Post at the time of the arrest: “Detectives have today (Tuesday 14 November) arrested a man on suspicion of manslaughter. He remains in police custody at this time.
"On Saturday 28 October, 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.”
Now, Johnson's aunt Kari has spoken out following the arrest.
She told The Mirror: "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."
The late ice hockey player was laid to rest in his home town of Hibbing, Minnesota last week.
In an emotional tribute, his family said: "Adam loved the outdoors and the simple things in life.
"He enjoyed yard work, fishing, golfing with buddies, playing in the Iron Ice hockey tournament, projects around the house, reading, following the stock market and listening to his favourite music.
"Adam especially enjoyed his quiet coffee time with his fiancée Ryan, dreaming about their future, and taking in the mornings together."
Since Johnson's passing, The English Ice Hockey Association has mandated that all players wear neck guards for on-ice activities starting on 31 December.
"It is unacceptable for any player to lose their life while playing sport," the Association said.
"Our responsibility is not only to avert the recurrence of such a heart-breaking accident, but also to pre-emptively address other foreseeable incidents in the future."
It added that Johnson's death 'casts a sombre shadow upon our global sporting community.'
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