Featured Image Credit: Getty
Topics: Ice Hockey
Chris Byfield
A man has been arrested on suspicion of manslaughter in connection with the death of ice hockey player Adam Johnson.
Johnson, who played for Nottingham Panthers, suffered a fatal injury from a skate to the neck last month during a game against Sheffield Steelers.
The 29-year-old was taken to hospital where he was pronounced dead. The game at Sheffield Arena was abandoned shortly after the incident.
South Yorkshire Police said a post-mortem examination confirmed Johnson died as a result of a fatal neck injury.
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The force said detectives arrested the suspect on Tuesday, adding that he remained in custody.
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 enquiries 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.
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"We know these communities will expect us to handle this investigation with the same professionalism, fairness and sensitivity as any other and request that members of the public refrain from comment and speculation which could hinder this process.
"Our thoughts remain with all affected by this devastating incident as enquiries continue."
More than 8,000 fans were inside the arena in Sheffield when the incident took place. They were all asked to leave in the aftermath.
Players from both teams reportedly formed a protective ring around Johnson as he received treatment on the ice, before screens were put up.
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South Yorkshire Police was called to the arena at about 8.25pm to reports a player had been seriously injured, and officers remained on the scene into the following morning.