Nottingham Panthers player Adam Johnson died after being cut on the neck by a skate during game against Sheffield Steelers this weekend; South Yorkshire Police: "Due to the complex nature of this tragic and unprecedented incident, it is likely the wider investigation will take some time"
Tuesday 31 October 2023 23:21, UK
South Yorkshire Police say an investigation into the death of Nottingham Panthers ice hockey player Adam Johnson "will take some time".
Johnson's neck was cut by a skate during a Challenge Cup fixture against Sheffield Steelers on Saturday and after receiving treatment on the ice the 29-year-old was later pronounced dead in hospital.
South Yorkshire Police confirmed they were investigating the incident and added on Tuesday: "Since Saturday, detectives have been carrying out a range of enquiries including reviewing footage, talking to witnesses and seeking the advice and support of highly specialised experts to seek to understand the circumstances surrounding what happened.
"Our officers have now left the scene, however due to the complex nature of this tragic and unprecedented incident, it is likely the wider investigation will take some time."
Police said it was standard practice to examine all sudden and unexpected deaths to provide findings for a coroner, and they were also working closely with the local council's health and safety department.
The English Ice Hockey Association (EIHA), the sport's governing body in England and Wales, said on Monday that it was making neck guards mandatory for all on-ice activities from January 1.
The EIHA did not make the neck guards mandatory with immediate effect due to anticipated supply issues but made a "strong recommendation" that players at all levels start using a neck guard.
Following Nottingham Panthers forward Johnson's death, the club said: "We are truly devastated to announce that Adam Johnson has tragically passed away following a freak accident at the game in Sheffield. 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 team-mate and an incredible person with his whole life ahead of him.
"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."
Following the incident, all of Sunday's Elite Ice Hockey League matches were postponed.
The organisation said: "The Elite Ice Hockey League is heartbroken to confirm that Nottingham Panthers forward Adam Johnson sadly passed away following a freak accident in Saturday's game between Sheffield Steelers and Nottingham Panthers.
"The thoughts and condolences of everyone connected with the EIHL are with Adam's family, friends and team mates at this incredibly sad and difficult time.
"We would also ask everyone to respect the privacy of Adam's family at this time."
