SHEFFIELD, UK — Police in England arrested a man Tuesday in connection to the death of Adam Johnson, a former University of Minnesota-Duluth men's hockey player and Hibbing native, who died after getting his neck cut from a skate during a hockey game in England.
The South York Police Department said the man was arrested on "suspicion of manslaughter."
The man remains in police custody "at this time," according to the news release.
Johnson, 29, was playing for the Nottingham Panthers in a Challenge Cup game against the Sheffield Steelers on Saturday, Oct. 28, when a skate blade cut his neck during the second period of the game at Sheffield's Utilita Arena.
"Adam's family is being supported through the investigation by our officers. They have asked for their privacy to be respected at this incredibly difficult time," according to the news release.
The South York Police Department did not provide any further details about the man arrested but commented on the investigation.
"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," said Detective Chief Superintendent Becs Horsfall in the news release.
The South York Police Department added:
"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. 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."
Following Johnson's death, several of his former hockey teams in Minnesota paid tributes to the fallen player and there was a tremendous outpouring of support for his family.
While rare, it's not unprecedented for a hockey player to be charged in connection with an on-ice incident.
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, McSorley was found guilty of assault with a deadly weapon for a two-handed slash to the head of Donald Brashear with his stick. He was sentenced to 18 months probation.
In 2004, Bertuzzi pleaded guilty to assault for grabbing 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.
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