English police officers investigating the death of Grand Rapids native Adam Johnson during a hockey game have made an arrest for manslaughter.
South Yorkshire detectives arrested a man they did not identify and he remained in police custody Tuesday, Nov. 14. An update provided Wednesday noted the man had since been released on bail.
Johnson was seriously injured after his neck was slashed by a skate blade during a game between the Nottingham Panthers and the Sheffield Steelers in England. He later died at the hospital.
Johnson was once a standout at Hibbing High School and played for the UMD Bulldogs before a brief career in the NHL with the Pittsburgh Penguins.
In a news release, Detective Chief Superintendent Becs Horsfall said they’ve carried out extensive enquiries to piece together the events leading to the death.
Johnson’s death, originally characterized as a freak accident by the Panthers when it was announced, has prompted safety discussions in the sport of hockey. The English Ice Hockey Association in which Johnson played already announced it will require neck guards next season.
-
Larissa Donovan/KAXEProsecutors now allege John Tobias, 58 of rural Park Rapids, also left a threatening voicemail for state Rep. Krista Knudsen of Lake Shore. -
Contributed/Minnesota Department of TransportationMnDOT staff will answer questions and collect feedback for an ongoing study of the high-traffic area connecting neighborhoods, recreators and businesses. -
Contributed/Koochiching County Sheriff's OfficeA GoFundMe page stated 35-year-old Ashley Kittelson leaves behind three young children and she dedicated her life to serving others. -
Lorie ShaullTownship residents will have a direct impact on their township's annual tax levy, and many townships host supervisor elections on March 10, 2026. -
Scott Rodgerson/UnsplashThe 29-year-old man hit a tree on a sharp corner. Another snowmobiler died on the trail in February. -
Staples-Motley junior Ronnie Noska is KAXE's second-ever North Star Student. Noska's hard work has led to a successful career on the court, and she continues to grow as a leader off of it. -
Plus: Townships across Minnesota will host their annual meetings on March 10, 2026; the DNR is seeking input on proposed changes to Itasca State Park; and the Superior National Forest will host a Tofte Ranger District open house on March 12.
-
Contributed/Lorie Shaull via FlickrForest staff will share information on upcoming road and trail construction, prescribed fire activities and recreation projects. -
Contributed/MN DNRThe DNR is proposing two sets of changes in Itasca State Park to expand overnight camping and winter recreation, as well as protect Lake Itasca's shoreline. -
Larissa Donovan/KAXEThe Bemidji Area Chamber of Commerce's annual trip to St. Paul on March 5, 2026, included many first-time visitors who advocated on local issues. -
Larissa Donovan/KAXEBeltrami County Emergency Management is seeking public input as it works to update its hazard mitigation plan for events like floods, drought and severe windstorms. -
Contributed/MN DNRPatrick McGowan joined four other conservation officers who were honored at a late February 2026 ceremony at Camp Ripley.
