British police release man arrested in connection with death of hockey player Adam Johnson

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Police have released the man arrested Tuesday in connection with the death of Nottingham Panthers hockey player Adam Johnson, who died last month after his neck was sliced by another player during a game in Sheffield, England.

South Yorkshire police said Tuesday that they had arrested a man on suspicion of manslaughter. They did not identify him.

In an update on Wednesday, they said the man had been released on bail. “Our investigation continues, and we will provide further updates as and when we can,” the police said in a statement.

Detective Chief Superintendent Becs Horsfall said Tuesday that the police had been trying to piece together the events that led to the death of Johnson, calling on “highly specialized experts” to assist with the enquiries.

The incident occurred partway through the second period of the Panthers’ game against the Sheffield Steelers on Oct. 28. Steelers defenceman Matt Petgrave, 31, collided with Johnson, 29, as the Panthers forward stickhandled the puck up the ice. As Petgrave fell, his left leg rose and the blade of his skate cut Johnson’s throat. He died later in hospital.

Paul Waldie