ADAM Johnson's girlfriend found the engagement ring he planned to give her before his tragic death, family friends have revealed.
Johnson died on October 28 after being hit in the neck by Matt Petgrave's skate during a match at Sheffield's Utilita Arena.
The 29-year-old American, who was playing for Nottingham Panthers against Sheffield Steelers, died in hospital.
A man arrested on suspicion of manslaughter after the death of the ice hockey star has been released on bail pending further inquiries.
His aunt Kari previously revealed how the US-born forward was planning to propose to his girlfriend Ryan Wolfe.
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She said: "We were all really excited because we were really looking forward to their future and he didn't get a chance to ask her, and then this happened."
It has now emerged that Ryan, 24, found an engagement ring in their apartment after news of Johnson's planned proposal was confirmed.
Scott Pionk, whose son played college hockey with Johnson, spoke to USA Today.
He said: "His grandmother told me that he had shown her (Johnson's grandmother) the ring before he left and he was going to propose at some point."
"I'm sure she had an inkling," Pionk said of Wolfe.
A second friend of the family, who wished to remain anonymous, confirmed his account.
It comes after South Yorkshire Police confirmed on Wednesday that a man has been bailed to a date in the new year as inquiries continue.
Detective Chief Superintendent Becs Horsfall said on Tuesday: "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.
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"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."
