Adam Johnson’s family speak out as man arrested after ice hockey star’s ‘throat was slashed by Matt Petgrave’s skate’

ADAM Johnson’s family have spoken out as a man was arrested on suspicion of manslaughter over the death of the ice hockey star.

Johnson, 29, was seriously injured during a Challenge Cup game between Nottingham Panthers and Sheffield Steelers on October 28 and died later in hospital.

SWNSAdam Johnson’s grieving aunt Kari reacted to the news from her home in Minnesota[/caption]

Panthers ImagesAdam in action for the Nottingham Panthers[/caption]

InstagramJohnson with his girlfriend Ryan Wolfe, who was in attendance at the game[/caption]

He was struck by an ice skate in a collision with Steelers’ player Matt Petgrave.

Reacting to the news from her home in Kelly Lake, Minnesota, in the US, Adam’s grieving aunt Kari Johnson said: “We’re just going to have to let it play out and see what happens.

“Whatever they’d decided, I would have had to live with it.

“But I’m just glad they are being diligent with doing what they’re supposed to be doing.”

A post-mortem examination confirmed the American’s cause of death as a neck injury.

South Yorkshire Police said the man arrested was taken into custody, without giving further details.

Detective Chief Superintendent Becs Horsfall said: “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.

“We have been speaking to highly specialised 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.”

A coroner who opened the inquest into Johnson’s death warned that there could be more ice hockey deaths unless neck guards become mandatory.

The UK’s Elite Ice Hockey League has said it will not enforce mandatory wearing of the safety equipment but would “strongly encourage” players and officials to wear them.

The English Ice Hockey Association (EIHA), in a change to regulations, has said the guards will become mandatory from 2024.

The Elite League, which includes the Panthers, is not under the governing body’s control.

SWNSDevastated fans lay flowers at the Motorpoint Arena in Nottingham[/caption]

The final moment leading up to the horrific accident were witnessed by the arena