The senior coroner investigating the death of former NHL and Nottingham Panthers player Adam Johnson has suspended the investigation while a police investigation continues.
Johnson, 29, died after being slashed to the neck by a skate during a Challenge Cup match against Sheffield Steelers on October 28, in what Nottingham Panthers described as a “freak accident”.
A man was arrested on suspicion of manslaughter following Johnson’s death in November following an investigation by South Yorkshire Police (SYP). He has since been released on bail.
Senior coroner Tanyka Rawden, of Sheffield Coroner’s Court, decided to adjourn the review of the evidence until July 26, although the investigation will continue if South Yorkshire Police (SYP) concludes its investigation and the man is not charged. will be restored before then.
On January 26, Rowden privately conducted a desk review of the investigation’s progress.
A statement said: “The UK’s senior coroner has reviewed the progress of the investigation into the death of Adam Johnson.”
“Since investigations began on 3 November 2023, detectives from South Yorkshire Police have arrested and questioned a man on suspicion of manslaughter.
“The suspect has been released on police bail and the investigation is still ongoing.
“In light of the possibility that a person may be charged with homicide in relation to the deceased’s death, the Senior Coroner has suspended the inquest into Mr Johnson’s death in accordance with paragraph 1(2)(a) of Schedule 1 to the Coroners and Judges Act 2009.
“If South Yorkshire Police determines by 26 July 2024 that no one will be charged with homicide in relation to the death of the deceased, the coroner will resume the investigation after being notified of that decision.”
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On November 14, SYP Detective Chief Superintendent Becs Horsfall revealed some details about the precise nature of the force’s investigation.
In a statement on the SYP website, she said: “Our investigation was launched immediately following this tragedy and since then we have been conducting an extensive investigation to piece together the circumstances that led to Adam’s disappearance under these unprecedented circumstances. event.”
“We have been speaking to highly specialized experts in the field to assist with our investigation and continue to work closely with Sheffield City Council’s health and safety department, who are supporting our ongoing investigation.
“Adam’s passing has sent shock waves through many communities, from residents here to hockey fans around the world.”
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Adam Johnson’s teammates return to the ice for ‘a day full of love and a night full of love’ in Nottingham
(Jeanine Leech/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images)
