Police have released an update on the man arrested over the death of an ice hockey star whose neck was slashed during a game in front of 8,000 fans.

Adam Johnson suffered a devastating injury while playing for Nottingham Panthers against Sheffield Steelers on October 28 last year.

The 29-year-old American was shot in the neck with the blade of an opponent player’s skate. Sheffield’s Utilita Arena.

Despite intense efforts to save him, the ice hockey star died in hospital. Autopsy confirmed that the cause of death was neck injury.

South Yorkshire Police arrested a man on suspicion of manslaughter before he was baled in November 2023. He was granted bail again until January 20, 2025, police said this week.

Adam Johnson suffered a devastating injury while playing for Nottingham Panthers against Sheffield Steelers on October 28 last year.

The death of the American athlete stunned ice hockey fans around the world. His jersey number ’47’ was retired in his memory by his former team (pictured is a fan holding his shirt)

Fans left flowers outside the Motor Point arena in Nottingham. Mr Johnson’s death shocked ice hockey world

Giving an update on the tragedy, Detective Chief Inspector Benjamin Wood said: ‘We are working diligently to fully understand the unprecedented circumstances in which Adam sadly lost his life.

‘This complex investigation into Adam’s death is ongoing and we continue to work closely with the Crown Prosecution Service.

‘Our thoughts are with Adam’s family at this time.’

Mr Johnson’s death shocked the ice hockey world, especially as thousands of fans at the arena in Sheffield witnessed the incident.

Victor Bjorkung, who played against the Steelers at the rink that day, said: ‘It still feels unreal. I think about this more or less every day. ‘I get a lot of feedback and it’s not very nice.’

In January, Sheffield’s senior coroner Tanyka Rawden suspended her inquest while the police investigation continued.

It was later revealed that Ms Rawden had issued a Preventing Future Fatalities Report to UK Ice Hockey and the English Ice Hockey Association (EIHA) regarding the use of neck guards in the sport.

In the report, the coroner said he was “sufficiently concerned that future deaths may occur if collars or restraints are not worn” and was given 56 days to say what action had been taken on the bodies or why no action had been taken. .

Johnson, 29, died when an opposing player’s skate cut his neck during a match in October last year.

Nottingham Panthers retire Adam Johnson’s number 47 jersey following his death

Neck protectors have become mandatory as of January 1 in the Elite League (EIHL), where Nottingham Panthers and Sheffield Steelers compete.

This follows the International Ice Hockey Federation’s decision in December to mandate the use of neck tear guards in competitions.

Mr Johnson joined Nottingham Panthers in August following spells in Germany and Sweden.

He previously played 13 games for the Pittsburgh Penguins in the North American National Hockey League, the sport’s elite club competition.