A senior coroner investigating the death of former NHL and Nottingham Panthers Adam Johnson has suspended his investigation while police investigations continue.
Johnson, 29, died after being cut in the neck by a skate during a Challenge Cup match against the Sheffield Steelers on October 28, with the Nottingham Panthers labelling it as a “freak accident”.
South Yorkshire Police (SYP) launched an investigation and arrested a man in November on suspicion of homicide following Johnson’s death. He has since been released on bail.
Tanyka Rawden, Chief Coroner at Sheffield Coroner’s Court, made the decision to suspend her examination of evidence until 26 July; it will resume before that date if South Yorkshire Police (SYP) concludes its investigation and the man is not charged.
Rawden conducted a tabletop review of the investigation’s progress on Jan. 26.
“Her Majesty’s Chief Coroner has reviewed the progress of the investigation into the death of Adam Johnson,” he said.
“Since the investigation began on November 3, 2023, South Yorkshire Police detectives have arrested and questioned a man on suspicion of manslaughter.
“The suspect has been released on police bail while the investigation continues.
“Taking into account the fact that a user would possibly be charged with a murder involving the death of the deceased, Her Majesty’s Supervising Coroner has suspended his investigation into the death of Mr Johnson pursuant to subsection 1(2)( a) of Annex 1 of the Justice and Coroners Act, Law of 2009.
“If South Yorkshire Police determine before July 26 2024 that no person will be charged with a homicide offence involving the death of the deceased, the coroner will resume her investigation upon receiving notification of that decision.”
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On November 14, SYP detective chief superintendent Becs Horsfall had shed light on some detail as to the exact nature of the force’s enquiries.
“Our investigation began in the immediate aftermath of this tragedy and we have conducted thorough investigations since then to piece together the moments that led to the loss of Adam in those unprecedented circumstances,” he said in a message posted on SYP’s website.
“We have spoken to highly specialist experts in their field to help us with our investigations and continue to work intensively with the Shefbox City Council’s Health and Safety Department, who support our ongoing investigation.
“Adam’s death has shocked many communities, from citizens here to ice hockey enthusiasts around the world. “
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(Jeanine Leech/Icon Sportswire Getty Images)