Adam Johnson's family speaks out after arrest made in connection with his death

Earlier today South Yorkshire Police have arrested an unnamed man, presumed to be Sheffield Steelers forward Matt Petgrave, on suspicion of manslaughter in connection with the death of Nottingham Panthers forward Adam Johnson last month.

From the BBC:

A man has been arrested on suspicion of manslaughter in connection with the death of ice hockey player Adam Johnson, whose neck was cut during a match.

The Nottingham Panthers player was injured by a skate in a match against Sheffield Steelers on 28 October.

The 29-year-old was taken to hospital where he was pronounced dead.

A post-mortem examination confirmed he died as a result of a fatal neck injury, South Yorkshire Police said.

The force said detectives arrested the suspect on Tuesday, adding that he remained in custody.

Days after the tragic accident, and yes I call it an accident because to me it's 100% crystal clear that what happened WAS an accident, South Yorkshire Police made an announcement that they would be investigating Johnson's death. Frankly, that didn't surprise me because I would expect an investigation in any death, accidental or otherwise. In fact, criminologist Dr. Victoria Silverwood has confirmed as much on social media and actually laid out the reasons specifically why Petgrave has been arrested.

Check out this very informative Twitter thread from Dr. Silverwood:

Det Ch Supt Becs Horsfall, from South Yorkshire Police, said: "We have been carrying out extensive inquiries 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.

"Adam's death has sent shockwaves through many communities, from our local residents here in Sheffield to ice hockey fans across the world."

Meanwhile, Johnson's family, who originally supported Petgrave in the immediate aftermath of what they described as a terrible accident, have a step back to allow the legal process to play out.

“We’re just going to have to let it play out and see what happens,” Kari Johnson, Adam's Aunt told The Mirror in the UK.

“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.”

The Johnson's meanwhile have been at the forefront of the English Ice Hockey Association's ruling to mandate neck guards for all on-ice activities starting in 2024.