SOUTH YORKSHIRE, ENGLAND - On Tuesday, November 14th, the South Yorkshire Police released a statement confirming the arrest of a suspect in the death of former NHL player, 29-year-old Adam Johnson.
According to Fox News, the suspect has not been identified by law enforcement. However, captured video of the incident as well as widely circulating information online and social media show that the person arrested was likely Matt Petgrave, who was seen on video kicking his ice-skate-clad leg up at Johnson, who was slashed in the neck and bled out.
The individual has been arrested on suspicion of manslaughter and as of Wednesday, November 15th, was "released on police bail." The statement said, in part, "Our investigation continues and we will provide further updates as and when we can."
The former Pittsburgh Penguins forward was playing in a Challenge Cup game between the Nottingham Panthers and the Sheffield Steelers at Sheffield's Utilita Arena on October 28th, when during the game Johnson suffered the fatal neck wound.
After the game, the Nottingham Panthers released a statement confirming Johnson's death, calling it a "freak accident." An autopsy revealed that the official cause of death was the result of a "fatal neck injury."
In a statement, Detective Chief Superintendent Becs Horsfall said, "Our investigation launched immediately following this tragedy and we have been carrying out extensive inquiries ever since to piece together the events which led to the loss of Adam in these unprecedented circumstances."
He added, "Adam's death has sent shock waves 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 inquiries continue."
After the arrest of the suspect who is now out on bail, family members of Johnson spoke out. His aunt, Kari, told the British tabloid, The Mirror, that she is "glad" with the diligence of the investigators' work. Kari added, "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."
Johnson was laid to rest in his hometown of Hibbing, Minnesota. In an emotional obituary, his family wrote, "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 favorite music."
The obituary read, "Adam especially enjoyed his quiet coffee time with his finacée, 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 ... 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 finacée, family and friends above all else. His loving and quiet demeanor will be eternally missed."
According to Fox News, the suspect has not been identified by law enforcement. However, captured video of the incident as well as widely circulating information online and social media show that the person arrested was likely Matt Petgrave, who was seen on video kicking his ice-skate-clad leg up at Johnson, who was slashed in the neck and bled out.
The individual has been arrested on suspicion of manslaughter and as of Wednesday, November 15th, was "released on police bail." The statement said, in part, "Our investigation continues and we will provide further updates as and when we can."
The former Pittsburgh Penguins forward was playing in a Challenge Cup game between the Nottingham Panthers and the Sheffield Steelers at Sheffield's Utilita Arena on October 28th, when during the game Johnson suffered the fatal neck wound.
After the game, the Nottingham Panthers released a statement confirming Johnson's death, calling it a "freak accident." An autopsy revealed that the official cause of death was the result of a "fatal neck injury."
In a statement, Detective Chief Superintendent Becs Horsfall said, "Our investigation launched immediately following this tragedy and we have been carrying out extensive inquiries ever since to piece together the events which led to the loss of Adam in these unprecedented circumstances."
He added, "Adam's death has sent shock waves 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 inquiries continue."
After the arrest of the suspect who is now out on bail, family members of Johnson spoke out. His aunt, Kari, told the British tabloid, The Mirror, that she is "glad" with the diligence of the investigators' work. Kari added, "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."
Johnson was laid to rest in his hometown of Hibbing, Minnesota. In an emotional obituary, his family wrote, "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 favorite music."
The obituary read, "Adam especially enjoyed his quiet coffee time with his finacée, 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 ... 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 finacée, family and friends above all else. His loving and quiet demeanor will be eternally missed."
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