Man arrested over ‘manslaughter’ of Adam Johnson is bailed after star’s ‘throat was slashed by Matt Petgrave’s skate’

A MAN who was arrested on suspicion of manslaughter over the death of ice hockey star Adam Johnson has been bailed.

Johnson, 29, was fatally injured during a Challenge Cup game between Nottingham Panthers and Sheffield Steelers on October 28 and died later in hospital.

Adam in action for the Nottingham Panthers

Johnson with his girlfriend Ryan Wolfe, who was in attendance at the game

He was struck by an ice skate in a collision with Steelers’ player Matt Petgrave.

A post-mortem examination confirmed the American’s cause of death as a neck injury.

Last night South Yorkshire Police said a man was arrested on suspicion of manslaughter and was taken into custody.

Today they have revealed that the man has been bailed.

In a statement yesterday Detective Chief Superintendent Becs Horsfall said: “Our investigation launched immediately following this tragedy and we have been carrying out extensive enquiries ever since to piece together the events which led to the loss of Adam in these unprecedented circumstances.

“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.”

A coroner who opened the inquest into Johnson’s death warned that there could be more ice hockey deaths unless neck guards become mandatory.

The UK’s Elite Ice Hockey League has said it will not enforce mandatory wearing of the safety equipment but would “strongly encourage” players and officials to wear them.

The English Ice Hockey Association (EIHA), in a change to regulations, has said the guards will become mandatory from 2024.

The Elite League, which includes the Panthers, is not under the governing body’s control.