Adam Johnson: Man arrested after death of Nottingham Panther's player re-bailed

Nottingham Panthers ice hockey player Adam Johnson who died during a match against Sheffield Steelers last yearNottingham Panthers ice hockey player Adam Johnson who died during a match against Sheffield Steelers last year
Nottingham Panthers ice hockey player Adam Johnson who died during a match against Sheffield Steelers last year | Panthers Images / SWNS
Adam Johnson tragically died during a game against Sheffield Steelers last year

A man arrested on suspicion of manslaughter after an ice hockey player died when his neck was slashed during a game has been re-bailed - for a third time.

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The man, who police have not named, was originally arrested in November following Adam Johnson's tragic death on October 28 last year.

Nottingham Panthers star Adam, 29, was fatally injured in front of 8,000 fans at Sheffield's Utilita Arena after being struck by his opponent Matt Petgrave's skate.

He was later sadly pronounced dead in hospital, with his heartbroken fiancee Ryan Wolfe saying at the time she would miss him "forever" and "always."

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Fans lay tributes at The Utilita Arena, Sheffield, after Nottingham Panthers ice hockey forward Adam Johnson diedFans lay tributes at The Utilita Arena, Sheffield, after Nottingham Panthers ice hockey forward Adam Johnson died
Fans lay tributes at The Utilita Arena, Sheffield, after Nottingham Panthers ice hockey forward Adam Johnson died | Anita Maric / SWNS

South Yorkshire Police said the suspect's new bail term would last until June 26 this year - while adding that Adam’s relatives were at the forefront of their minds.

A spokesperson from the force said: “On 14 November 2023, a man was arrested on suspicion of manslaughter. He was later bailed.

“Today (Tuesday 14 May) he has been further re-bailed until 26 June 2024.

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“Adam's loved ones remain at the forefront of our minds as this complex investigation continues.”

Shocking footage showed Adam bleeding profusely on the ice during the match in Sheffield, which his family was watching back home in Minnesota, US.

He briefly stood up and tried to skate off, but collapsed again as spectators watched in horror as attempts were made to save his life.

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A post-mortem examination confirmed he died as a result of a fatal neck injury, sparking concerns over the lack of neck guards used in the sport.

Fiancee Ryan Wolfe and Adam JohnsonFiancee Ryan Wolfe and Adam Johnson
Fiancee Ryan Wolfe and Adam Johnson | Kari Johnson / SWNS

An inquest opening into his death previously heard how his fiancée Ryan, who was living in the UK at the time, identified his body in hospital.

Adam had joined the Nottingham Panthers in August after spells in Germany and Sweden.

He previously played 13 games for the Pittsburgh Penguins in North America's National Hockey League, the sport's elite club competition.

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