SHEFFIELD, U.K. 鈥� An unidentified man was arrested on Tuesday, Nov. 14, on suspicion of manslaughter in the investigation of the death of former Hibbing/Chisholm and Minnesota Duluth men's hockey player Adam Johnson in an on-ice incident on Oct. 28.
The South Yorkshire Police have been conducting the investigation after Johnson suffered a fatal cut to the neck from the skate blade of opposing player Matt Petgrave during an Elite Ice Hockey League game between Johnson's Nottingham Panthers and the Sheffield Steelers in Sheffield.
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After extensive treatment at the arena, Johnson was taken to a local hospital and died of his injuries. Officials in both professional athletics and have publicly weighed in on the incident since Johnson's death, speculating that Petgrave could be subject to a manslaughter charge.
"We have been carrying out extensive inquiries to piece together the events which led to the loss of Adam in these unprecedented circumstances," Detective Chief Superintendent Becs Horsfall said in a news release. "We have been speaking to highly specialised experts in their field to assist in our inquiries 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."
The arrested man was not identified but remains in police custody, according to the release.
Kari Johnson, Adam's aunt, told the New York Post earlier this month that she believes the other player did not intend to kill Adam, but that his actions were "very reckless."
鈥淚 just want them [authorities investigating] to get it right. We are looking for justice for Adam," she told the Post.
Reached Tuesday by The Rink Live following news of the arrest, Kari Johnson said the family won't be commenting at this time.
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An inquest into Johnson's death was recently adjourned until Jan. 26, 2024, to allow for a coroner's investigation to be completed.
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