A senior coroner investigating the death of former NHL and Nottingham Panthers player Adam Johnson has suspended his investigation while police inquiries continue.
Johnson, 29, died after being cut on the neck by a skateboard during a Challenge Cup match against Sheffield Steelers on October 28, with Nottingham Panthers labeling it a “freak accident”.
South Yorkshire Police (SYP) launched an investigation and a man was arrested in November on suspicion of manslaughter following Johnson’s death. Since then he has been danced.
Tanyka Rawden, a senior coroner at Sheffield Coroner’s Court, has decided to suspend the examination of the evidence until July 26, although it will be resumed before then if South Yorkshire Police (SYP) concludes its investigation and the man will not be charged.
Rawden held a private desk review of the progress of the investigation on January 26.
“Her Majesty’s Senior Coroner has reviewed the progress of the investigation into the death of Adam Johnson,” it said in a statement.
“Since opening the investigation on 3 November 2023, detectives from South Yorkshire Police have arrested and interviewed a man on suspicion of manslaughter.
“The suspect has been released on bail while investigations continue.
“In light of the fact that a person may be charged with an offense of murder involving the death of the deceased, Her Majesty’s Senior Coroner has suspended his investigation into the death of Mr Johnson under paragraph 1(2)(a) of Schedule 1 to the Coroners and Justice Act 2009.
“If South Yorkshire Police determines before 26 July 2024 that no person will be charged with an offense of murder involving the death of the deceased, the coroner will resume his investigation after being notified of that decision.”
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On November 14, SYP Detective Chief Superintendent Becs Horsfall shed light on some details about the exact nature of the law enforcement investigation.
“Our investigation was launched immediately after this tragedy and we have since conducted extensive investigations to piece together the events that led to the loss of Adam in these unprecedented circumstances,” he said in a statement published on the SYP website.
“We have spoken to highly specialized experts in their field to help us 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 death sent shockwaves through many communities, from residents here to ice hockey fans around the world.”
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‘A loving day and night’ in Nottingham as Adam Johnson’s teammates return to the ice
(Jeanine Leech/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images)