Police have finally shared an update on the man arrested in connection with the ice hockey player who died after being slashed in the throat during a game.
Last year, in October, it was announced that Adam Johnson suffered from a fatal neck injury during a Challenge Cup match between the Nottingham Panthers and Sheffield Steelers at the Utilita Arena.
During a collision on the ice, the 29-year-old was slashed with the bottom of a skate, which ultimately led to his death, as per a postmortem examination.
At the time, a spokesperson for the South Yorkshire Police confirmed that the number 47 jersey had succumbed to his injuries despite receiving immediate medical attention.
"We were called at 8.25PM on Saturday 28 October to reports that a player had been seriously injured during a Sheffield Steelers versus Nottingham Panthers game at the Utilita Arena in Sheffield," the statement read. "Officers attended the scene alongside other emergency services and one man, aged in his 20s, was taken to hospital with serious injuries. Sadly, he was later pronounced deceased at hospital."
A funeral was held for the late hockey player in his hometown of Hibbing, Minnesota while the police launched an investigation into the matter.
A man, who police have not named as of yet, was arrested the following month and bailed until July this year.
"On 14 November 2023, a man was arrested on suspicion of manslaughter. He was later bailed," a statement updating people on the matter read. "Today he has been further re-bailed until 26 June 2024.
"Adam’s loved ones remain at the forefront of our minds as this complex investigation continues," they continued before adding: "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."
The suspect is now being re-bailed until November this year while the authorities continue their examination.
Shortly after Johnson's death, the Panthers took to social media to post a tribute to the late sportsman, emphasizing that he was a well-loved and crucial member of the team.
"The club will dearly miss him and will never ever forget him. Adam, our number 47, was not only an outstanding ice hockey player, but also a great teammate and an incredible person with his whole life ahead of him," they wrote in an emotionally-charged post.
"The Panthers would like to send our thoughts and condolences to Adam's family, his partner, and all his friends at this extremely difficult time. Everyone at the club including players, staff, management and ownership are heartbroken at the news of Adam's passing," they added.
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