English police have taken a significant step in investigating the death of Minnesota native Adam Johnson during an Elite Ice Hockey League game. Johnson, 29, playing for Nottingham Panthers, suffered a fatal throat injury on October 28 after an incident involving the skate of Sheffield hockey player Matt Petgrave. The police have arrested an individual on suspicion of manslaughter in connection with this tragic event. The arrest follows an immediate investigation by South Yorkshire Police, who have refrained from disclosing the identity of the person taken into custody.
Detective Chief Superintendent Becs Horsfall of South Yorkshire Police released a statement expressing the profound impact of Johnson’s death on various communities. The investigation, initiated promptly after the incident, involves collaboration with specialized experts and ongoing cooperation with Sheffield City Council’s health and safety department.
“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,”
Horsfall said in the press release.
Adam Johnson, a former high school hockey star from Hibbing, Minnesota, had a successful career, including stints in the NHL and the American Hockey League before joining European ice hockey.
Comments from former NHL players on the incident vary. Sean Avery suggested that Petgrave’s actions were unorthodox and aimed at making contact without intent to harm. Chris Therien, another former NHL player, expressed shock and called for an immediate investigation into what he described as an “appalling” incident that may have been intentional.
Johnson’s fiancée, Ryan Wolf, who reportedly witnessed the injury during the game, posted a heartfelt tribute on Instagram, expressing enduring love for Johnson.
It’s gross that the media only mention Matt Petgrave name once in their coverage, using “the man” or ” the person”
It was Matt Petgrave who lost his temper and once again purposely kicked at Adam Johnson and killed him! https://t.co/KRBTpW21FT
— Cat Ryan (@CatQuestionsAll) November 15, 2023
