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03rd Sep 2024

Police share fresh update over ice hockey player who was slashed in throat during game

Joseph Loftus

Adam Johnson died after being slashed in the throat during a game

Police have issued a new update on the case of the death of ice hockey player Adam Johnson, who died after his throat was slashed.

Johnson died while playing for Nottingham Panthers against the Sheffield Steelers, when he suffered was what described as a “freak accident”.

Around 8,000 spectators were present at the game and they were all told to leave the stadium following the major medical emergency.

Following Johnson’s death last October, a man was arrested on suspicion of manslaughter.

In a new update, South Yorkshire Police have confirmed they have re-bailed the suspect.

They explained in a new statement: “Our investigation is ongoing, and our thoughts remain with Adam’s family.

“If there are any developments in the investigation ahead of the new bail expiry date, these will be issued proactively on the South Yorkshire Police website.”

In April of this year the force released another statement, reading: “Adam, aged 29, was fatally injured during a game between the Sheffield Steelers and Nottingham Panthers on 28 October last year. He was sadly later pronounced dead in hospital, and a post mortem confirmed he died as a result of a neck injury.

“A man was arrested on 14 November last year on suspicion of manslaughter and later bailed. Today (Thursday 25 April) he has been further re-bailed until Tuesday 14 May 2024.

“Our thoughts remain with Adam’s loved ones as our investigation continues. If there are any developments in the investigation ahead of the new bail expiry date, these will be issued proactively on our website.”

Police have not named the man who has been re-bailed.

Johnson was laid to rest in his hometown of Hibbing, Minnesota.

His family paid tribute to him in a touching obituary reading: “Adam loved the outdoors and the simple things in life.

“He enjoyed yard work, fishing, golfing with buddies, playing in the Iron Ice hockey tournament, projects around the house, reading, following the stock market and listening to his favourite music.

“Adam especially enjoyed his quiet coffee time with his fiancee Ryan, dreaming about their future, and taking in the mornings together.

“Adam loved to live a slower life and took pleasure in the small, everyday things. Simple pleasures Adam enjoyed were manually grinding his coffee beans, seeing the colours of each sunset, sitting lakeside by a bonfire with a glass of his favourite red wine, and trying out new dinner recipes. But more than anything, he loved a good deal on Costco steaks.

“He was many things to many people, but to those who were lucky enough to be loved by Adam knew he was thoughtful, patient and genuinely authentic. He loved his fiancee, family, and friends above all else. His loving and quiet demeanour will be eternally missed.”