Hockey Player’s Death After On-Ice Incident Leads To Manslaughter Indictment In UK – Update
UPDATED, 3:20 PM: Police in England have arrested a man in connection with the death of hockey player Adam Johnson, who was gravely injured during a game in Sheffield last month. Authorities did not identify the person who was charged with manslaughter but said he remained in custody Tuesday.
The arrest by South Yorkshire Police comes two weeks after Johnson of the Nottingham Panthers was injured during an October 28 Champions Cup game against the Sheffield Steelers of the Elite Ice Hockey League. He collided with Steelers defenseman Matt Pergrave, whose leg came up and slashed Johnson’s throat. Johnson died later that night at a hospital. He was 29.
More from Deadline
Apple TV+ Europe Commissioner Tom Williams Exits For BBC Studios Drama Productions
2023 Premiere Dates For New & Returning Series On Broadcast, Cable & Streaming
Police said a postmortem exam showed that Johnson, who played seven games with the NHL’s Pittsburgh Penguins over two seasons from 2018-20, died from a neck injury.
“Our investigation launched immediately following this tragedy and we have been carrying out extensive inquiries ever since to piece together the events which led to the loss of Adam in these unprecedented circumstances,” South Yorkshire Chief Superintendent Becs Horsfall said. “We have been speaking to highly specialized 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.”
Johnson’s death has led several pro and amateur hockey leagues to consider or implement the use of protective neck gear on the ice. Cut-resistant protective equipment was among the topics of discussion at the NHL General Managers meetings Tuesday in Toronto.
NHL general managers discuss cut-resistant protective equipment, available resources https://t.co/SSEVVfWOvv⤵️
— NHL.com (@NHLdotcom) November 14, 2023
PREVIOUSLY, October 29: An ice hockey player has died following a freak accident during a match on Saturday, during which he is believed to have taken a blade to his throat.
American professional Adam Johnson, 29, who played for the Nottingham Panthers team in the UK suffered the horrific injury during a match against the Sheffield Steelers at Utilita Arena Sheffield on Saturday evening.
Witnesses reported that Johnson appeared to have been struck in the neck by an ice hockey blade of another player. The Daily Mail quotes one witness reporting that Johnson initially tried to skate back to his team after the clash but collapsed on the ice, where he was cared for by medics and other plays. Screens were erected, and 8,000 fans asked to leave the area as his treatment continued.
Nottingham Panthers have confirmed the news of the player’s death, saying they were devastated to lose such a talented player:
“The Nottingham Panthers are truly devastated to announce that Adam Johnson has tragically passed away following a freak accident at the game in Sheffield last night.
“The Panthers would like to send our thoughts and condolences to Adam’s family, his partner, and all his friends at this extremely difficult time.
“Adam, our number 47, was not only an outstanding ice hockey player, but also a great team-mate and an incredible person with his whole life ahead of him.
“Everyone at the club including players, staff, management and ownership are heartbroken at the news of Adam’s passing.”
Johnson’s mother shared her sadness on social media, saying: “I lost half my heart today.”
The Elite Ice Hockey League (EIHL) confirmed Sunday’s matches across the UK have been postponed “in light of this deeply upsetting news.”
The Nottingham Panthers are truly devastated to announce that Adam Johnson has tragically passed away following a freak accident at the game in Sheffield last night. pic.twitter.com/lhSOkDu03Q
— The Nottingham Panthers (@PanthersIHC) October 29, 2023
Best of Deadline
2023 Premiere Dates For New & Returning Series On Broadcast, Cable & Streaming
2023-24 Awards Season Calendar - Dates For Oscars, Emmys, Grammys, Tonys, Guilds & More
'Killers Of The Flower Moon' Set To Receive Palm Springs Film Festival's Vanguard Award
Sign up for Deadline's Newsletter. For the latest news, follow us on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram.