Nottingham ice hockey player dies after ‘throat slashed by skate’ during match
An ‘incredible’ ice hockey player has died after his throat appeared to be slashed by a skate during a match in Sheffield.
Adam Johnson, a player for the Nottingham Panthers, was rushed off the rink and the team’s game against the Sheffield Steelers was abandoned following the incident on Saturday.
His mother and team confirmed news of the 29-year-old’s death this morning on social media, touching off a wave of tributes across ice hockey.
Susan ‘Kari’ Johnson, who had for years shared footage of her ‘boy’ in the rink on Facebook, posted: ‘I lost half of my heart today. Love you always, Munch.’
The Nottingham Panthers, a British professional ice hockey club and member of the Elite Ice Hockey League, added that the team is ‘truly devastated to announce that Adam Johnson has tragically passed away following a freak accident at the game in Sheffield last night’.
‘The Panthers would like to send our thoughts and condolences to Adam’s family, his partner, and all his friends at this extremely difficult time,’ the team said on X.
‘Everyone at the club including players, staff, management, and ownership are heartbroken at the news of Adam’s passing.’
The Nottingham Panthers thanked emergency services for their efforts ‘in the most testing of circumstances’.
‘Adam, our number 47, was not only an outstanding ice hockey player but also a great teammate and an incredible person with his whole life ahead of him. The Club will dearly miss him and will never ever forget him,’ the statement added.
The Elite Ice Hockey League added in a statement on X: ‘The Elite Ice Hockey League is heartbroken to confirm that Nottingham Panthers forward Adam Johnson sadly passed away following a freak accident in Saturday’s game between Sheffield Steelers and Nottingham Panthers.’
Leeds Knights, an ice hockey team in the West Yorkshire city of the same name, also paid tribute to Johnson.
‘Our thoughts are with his family, friends, teammates and everyone involved last night, RIP Adam,’ it said in a post on X.
Johnson, who previously played for the Pittsburgh Penguins in the NHL, took the brunt of a tackle aimed at one of his team-mates, according to footage of the collision.
Traumatised fans at the Utilita Arena Sheffield – where around 8,000 people had gathered to watch the match – wrote on social media that the injury was the ‘stuff of nightmares.’
One woman wrote: ‘That was undoubtedly the worst thing I’ve ever seen happen, I’m so sorry.’
Another wrote: ‘This Adam Johnson situation breaks my heart. The fact neck guards aren’t 100% required everywhere is insane.’
A number of users criticised people sharing the video of the incident, with some attempting to drown out the footage with a clip of Johnson’s first goal for the NHL.
Yorkshire Ambulance Service was called to the scene at around 8.20pm yesterday, sending two ambulances and a critical care paramedic.
The Motorpoint Arena in Nottingham, which is the home rink of the Panthers, wrote on social media: ‘Our heartfelt thoughts go out to Adam Johnson, his loved ones, all the Panthers players, staff, fans and the whole ice hockey community, following his horrific injury this evening.’
Police investigate ice hockey
player’s death after throat cut by
opponent’s blade
By Tom Morgan
October 30, 2023
Police are investigating the horrific death of an ice hockey player whose throat was slashed by an opponent’s stray boot blade during a game in Sheffield.
Adam Johnson, of Nottingham Panthers, was struck in the neck by Sheffield Steelers’ Matt Petgrave, who appeared to lose his footing after tripping in a prior collision.
Ice hockey player killed in freak accident
An American ice hockey player died when an opponent's blade made contact with his neck during a game.
As thousands of traumatised spectators looked on, teammates formed a ring around Johnson on the ice in the immediate aftermath before protective screens were raised. Johnson had come into contact with Petgrave’s raised left leg in a coming together near the centre line.
Seasoned observers say the kick was unintentional and a host of figures in the game sent messages of support to Petgrave.
However, South Yorkshire Police confirmed in a statement on Sunday that officers are trying to piece together exactly what happened in an incident described as “freak” by Johnson’s club.
“Our officers remain at the scene carrying out inquiries today and our investigation into the circumstances surrounding the incident remain ongoing,” the force said.
Spectators at the Utilita Arena had been left in tears as Johnson was seen with blood pouring down his jersey before skating away and subsequently collapsing. On Sunday, Johnson’s mother Kari announced on Facebook that she had lost “half of my heart” as it was confirmed the American had died, aged 29.
Adam Johnson in action for the Pittsburgh Penguins in 2017.CREDIT:AP
His club added in a statement it was “truly devastated to announce that Adam Johnson has tragically passed away following a freak accident at the game in Sheffield”
The game was stopped in the 35th minute as Johnson initially received emergency treatment.
David Simms, the match announcer, posted on X: “Just a horrible night at the arena, tragic. Our thoughts go to Adam’s family, friends and teammates. Nothing can prepare you for something like this. To Steelers fans, we will do everything we can to ensure Matt Petgrave and the team are looked after in the best possible way.”
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He added: “Seeing the players, staff and medical staff from both clubs last night all working together as one was something I will never forget, the effort they all made was outstanding.”
Yorkshire Ambulance Service said it was called about 8.20pm before sending two ambulances and a critical care paramedic. Johnson was later taken to Sheffield’s Northern General Hospital.
Police added later: “We were called at 8.25pm yesterday to reports that a player had been seriously injured during a Sheffield Steelers versus Nottingham Panthers game at the Utilita Arena in Sheffield. Officers attended the scene alongside other emergency services and one man, aged in his 20s, was taken to hospital with serious injuries. Sadly, he was later pronounced deceased at hospital.”
Telegraph, London
