Adam Johnson's fiancée has shared a devastating letter she wrote prior to his death.
The American ice hockey star, who plays for Nottingham Panthers, died on October 28 after being hit in the neck by a skate during a match at Sheffield’s Utilita Arena.
On Tuesday (14 November), it was confirmed that the man who had been arrested on suspicion of manslaughter was released on bail pending further inquiries.
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Detective Chief Superintendent Becs Horsfall said: “Our investigation launched immediately following this tragedy and we have been carrying out extensive inquiries ever since to piece together the events which led to the loss of Adam in these unprecedented circumstances.
“We have been speaking to highly specialised experts in their field to assist in our inquiries and continue to work closely with the health and safety department at Sheffield City Council, which is supporting our ongoing investigation.
“Adam’s death has sent shockwaves through many communities, from our local residents here in Sheffield to ice hockey fans across the world.
“We know these communities will expect us to handle this investigation with the same professionalism, fairness and sensitivity as any other, and request that members of the public refrain from comment and speculation which could hinder this process.
“Our thoughts remain with all affected by this devastating incident as inquiries continue.”
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Fiancée Ryan Wolfe was part of the 8,000 plus crowd at Sheffield’s Utilita Arena.
Speaking at the Memorial Building Arena in Minnesota last week, she said: "There's so many things I could say about Adam and if I had the time I would talk about him for hours, but instead I wanted to write him a letter similar to something I would've written him for our wedding day.
"I want you to know how much I love you and adore you. You have been so amazingly supportive and kind to me since the day we met and I couldn't be more grateful for it.
"I always thought that maybe if I was lucky enough after a lifetime together I might start to be more like you.
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"You're such a special person, you had the best sense of humour, the biggest heart, the quickest wit and the kindest soul."
She added: "You made me so insanely happy and it feels like an understatement to say we were boyfriend and girlfriend or fiancées.
"I never really felt like there was a label that could describe us, how well we fit, how in sync and aware of one another we were, how we agreed with everything under the sun - even if sometimes you liked to disagree with me on little things like the quickest way home or the best brand of peanut butter.
"To me you were everything, you were my home, my best friend, my sounding board, my rock, my safe haven and the love of my life.
"I'm never going to stop thinking about you, missing you and loving you until we can be together again."
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The EIHA said neck guards will become mandatory from 2024 but the Elite League, in which the Panthers and Steelers compete, is not under its control.
Anish Vij