Police arrest man in connection with death of Adam Johnson during hockey game

Police in England have arrested a man on suspicion of manslaughter in connection with the death of Adam Johnson during a Nottingham Panthers hockey game last month.

The arrest was first reported by the BBC.

Johnson, 29, died after his neck was cut during a game against the Sheffield Steelers in the Elite Hockey League on Oct. 28 at Sheffield’s Utilita Arena.

South Yorkshire Police said a man had been arrested on Tuesday and remained in custody. They have not named the individual at this time, which is in keeping with the United Kingdom’s guidelines and is only done in exceptional circumstances.

“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,” Detective Chief Superintendent Becs Horsfall said in a statement.

“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.”

According to the Crown Prosecution Service website in the United Kingdom, manslaughter “is primarily committed in one of three ways.”

“1. Killing with the intent for murder but where a partial defence applies, namely loss of control, diminished responsibility or killing pursuant to a suicide pact.

“2. Conduct that was grossly negligent given the risk of death, and did kill (“gross negligence manslaughter”); and

“3. Conduct taking the form of an unlawful act involving a danger of some harm that resulted in death (‘unlawful and dangerous act manslaughter’).”

Johnson, from Hibbing, Minn., had appeared in 13 NHL games with the Pittsburgh Penguins in 2019 and 2020. He was playing for Nottingham in a Challenge Cup game against the Sheffield Steelers. 

According to South Yorkshire Police, a post-mortem examination confirmed he died as a result of a fatal neck injury.

“Adam’s death has sent shockwaves through many communities, from our local residents here in Sheffield to ice hockey fans across the world,” Det. Chief Supt. Horsfall said. “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.”

The English Ice Hockey Association, which governs the sport below the Elite League, reacted to Johnson’s death by requiring all players in England to wear neck guards from the start of 2024. On Nov. 3, the coroner for South Yorkshire recommended that “to prevent future deaths,” everyone should wear them.

It would be rare, but not unprecedented, for a hockey player to be charged.

Giacinto “Jim” Boni was charged in Italy with culpable homicide after he slashed Miran Schrott in the chest during a game on Jan. 14, 1992, and Schrott died as a result of a cardiac event. Boni pleaded guilty to manslaughter.

Two NHL players in recent history have been charged with a crime in Canada for an on-ice action: Marty McSorley and Todd Bertuzzi.

In 2000, Vancouver prosecutors charged Bruins defenceman McSorley with assault with a weapon for slashing Vancouver Canucks forward Brashear on the head during a game the previous month. McSorley was later convicted and received a conditional discharge.

In 2004, Bertuzzi, a Canucks forward, pleaded guilty to assault for grabbing Colorado’s Steve Moore from behind and sucker punching him. Bertuzzi agreed to a plea deal and was sentenced to one year probation and 80 hours of community service.

The arrest was first reported by the BBC.

Johnson, 29, died after his neck was cut during a game against the Sheffield Steelers on Oct. 28.

South Yorkshire Police said a man had been arrested on Tuesday and remained in custody. They have not named the individual at this time, which is in keeping with the United Kingdom’s guidelines and is only done in exceptional circumstances.

“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,” Detective Chief Superintendent Becs Horsfall said in a statement.

“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.”

According to the Crown Prosecution Service website in the United Kingdom, manslaughter “is primarily committed in one of three ways.”

“1. Killing with the intent for murder but where a partial defence applies, namely loss of control, diminished responsibility or killing pursuant to a suicide pact.

“2. Conduct that was grossly negligent given the risk of death, and did kill (“gross negligence manslaughter”); and

“3. Conduct taking the form of an unlawful act involving a danger of some harm that resulted in death (‘unlawful and dangerous act manslaughter’).”

Johnson, from Hibbing, Minn., had appeared in 13 NHL games with the Pittsburgh Penguins in 2019 and 2020. He was playing for Nottingham in a Challenge Cup game against the Sheffield Steelers. 

According to South Yorkshire Police, a post-mortem examination confirmed he died as a result of a fatal neck injury.

“Adam’s death has sent shockwaves through many communities, from our local residents here in Sheffield to ice hockey fans across the world,” Det. Chief Supt. Horsfall said. “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.”

The English Ice Hockey Association, which governs the sport below the Elite League, reacted to Johnson’s death by requiring all players in England to wear neck guards from the start of 2024.

— With files from The Associated Press