Adam Johnson: Coroner suspends investigation into death of former NHL player

A senior coroner investigating the death of former NHL and Nottingham Panthers player Adam Johnson has suspended her investigation while the police investigation continues.

Johnson, 29, died after being cut on the neck by a skate during a Challenge Cup match against the Sheffield Steelers on October 28, with the Nottingham Panthers labeling it a 'freak accident'.

South Yorkshire Police (SYP) opened an investigation and in November a man was arrested on suspicion of manslaughter following Johnson's death. He has since been released on bail.

Tanyka Rawden, a senior coroner at Sheffield Coroner's Court, has decided to suspend her examination of the evidence until July 26, although it will resume before then if South Yorkshire Police (SYP) conclude their investigation and the man is not found indicted.

Rawden held – privately – a desktop review of the investigation's progress on January 26.

“HM Senior Coroner has reviewed the progress of the investigation into the death of Adam Johnson,” a statement said.

“Since the opening of the inquest on November 3, 2023, detectives from South Yorkshire Police have arrested and questioned 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 a murder offense involving the death of the deceased, HM Senior Coroner has suspended her investigation into the death of Mr Johnson under Paragraph 1(2)(a) of Appendix 1 to the Coroners and Justice. Act 2009.

“If, before 26 July 2024, South Yorkshire Police determines that no one will be charged with a murder offense involving the deceased, the coroner will resume her investigation once notified of that decision.”

On November 14, SYP Chief Inspector Becs Horsfall had shed light on details about the exact nature of the force's investigation.

“Our investigation began immediately after this tragedy and since then we have conducted extensive research to piece together the events that led to the loss of Adam in these unprecedented circumstances,” she said in a statement on the SYP website.

“We have spoken to highly specialist experts in their fields to help us with our investigations and continue to work closely with Sheffield City Council's health and safety department, who are supporting our ongoing investigation.

“Adam's death has sent shockwaves through many communities, from residents here to hockey fans around the world.”

GO DEEPER

'A loving day and a loving night' in Nottingham as Adam Johnson's teammates return to the ice

(Jeanine Leech/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images)