A hockey star who was said to have suffered a horrific injury to his throat during a game has died aged 29, his family said.
Adam Johnson’s injury was so horrific that the game had to be abandoned, reducing the traumatized fans to tears.
The American athlete is believed to have been caught in the neck by a hockey stick during the game between Nottingham Panthers and Sheffield Steelers at the Utilita Arena Sheffield this evening.
His mother Kari shared her heartache on social media this morning, telling friends: “I lost half of my heart today.”
And his club said it was “truly devastated” by the news – paying tribute to “a great teammate and an incredible human being who has his whole life ahead of him.”
The Elite Ice Hockey League said it was “heartbroken” as it confirmed the “deeply disturbing” news – and has postponed all games scheduled for today.
Adam Johnson (pictured) suffered a horrific injury in a nightmare tackle that left spectators horrified
The incident took place at the Utilita Arena Sheffield (pictured) and is believed to have been witnessed by around 8,000 fans
His club said it was “truly devastated” by the news – paying tribute to “a great teammate and an incredible human being who has his whole life ahead of him.”
Adam Johnson (pictured) is believed to have suffered a hockey stick to the neck during the game between Nottingham Panthers and Sheffield Steelers
Yorkshire Ambulance Service said they were called at around 8.21pm before sending two ambulances and an intensive care paramedic – one man was taken to hospital
Devastated fans took to social media to share their sadness for the Minnesota-born star, using the hashtag “sticksoutfor47” – a reference to the number Mr Johnson wore.
Around 8,000 fans watched the nightmarish clash last night before play was quickly stopped and screens brought onto the pitch to protect the players involved. The game was later abandoned.
Sharing the news, his club said: “Nottingham Panthers are truly devastated to announce that Adam Johnson has tragically passed away following a horrific accident during last night’s game in Sheffield.”
“The Panthers would like to extend our thoughts and condolences to Adam’s family, his partner and all of his friends at this extremely difficult time.”
“Everyone at the club, including players, staff, management and owners, are heartbroken at the news of Adam’s death.”
They added that their thoughts were not only with those closest to the athlete, but also with the fans and staff who witnessed the incident.
The club also thanked the people who rushed to rescue him after the horrific incident.
They continued: “Adam, our number 47, was not only an outstanding hockey player, but also a great teammate and an incredible human being who had his whole life ahead of him.”
Around 8,000 fans watched the nightmarish clash last night before play was quickly stopped and screens brought onto the pitch to protect the players involved. The game was later abandoned
Horrified fans have taken to social media to express their horror at the accident
“The club will miss him greatly and never forget him.”
A witness told Web that Mr Johnson tried to return to his team after the neck injury but collapsed before he could, leading to panicked scenes as players and paramedics rushed to help the stricken star.
Yorkshire Ambulance Service said they were called at around 8.21pm before sending two ambulances and an intensive care paramedic – one man was taken to hospital.
Four minutes later, South Yorkshire Police were contacted and confirmed he was later pronounced dead in hospital.
Police officers remain at the scene and an investigation into the incident is ongoing.
Devastated spectators who witnessed the accident cried and hugged each other. One said: “They will never get over what they saw.”
“It was terrible to see. “People were crying and fainting,” another shocked witness added.
The freak accident was apparently caused by a Sheffield Steelers player as he attempted to attack another of Mr Johnson’s team-mates.
The northern club shared a statement from the Elite Ice Hockey League, adding: “Everyone at the Steelers sends our condolences to Adam Johnson’s partner and family members.”
Ice Hockey UK added: “Ice Hockey UK would like to extend our thoughts and condolences to the family, friends and teammates of Nottingham Panthers striker Adam Johnson, who passed away last night.”
“The hockey family stands with his family – and each other – during this difficult time.”
The footage shows Mr Johnson being hit in the neck by an ice skate before collapsing. The profusely bleeding ice hockey star manages to stand up while his teammates rush to his aid.
Shocked fans were left traumatized by the incident and many took to social media to share their horror at the accident.
The Elite Ice Hockey League said it was “heartbroken” as it confirmed the “deeply disturbing” news – and has postponed all games scheduled for today
The freak accident was apparently caused by a Sheffield Steelers player as he attempted to attack another of Mr Johnson’s team-mates
A witness told Web that Mr Johnson tried to return to his team after the neck injury but collapsed before he could
Ice Hockey UK added that the hockey family “stands together” as they mourn Mr Johnson
Due to a “serious medical emergency,” fans were asked to leave the building.
Hockey fans took to social media this morning to share their heartache.
Hockey’s fellow Hull Seahawks said they were “devastated” to hear the news of his death.
A spectator who saw the horrific clash in the arena added: “We were there as a family and we were all praying for a different outcome.”
“Condolences to his family, Panthers and Steelers players. “A devastating loss.”
Another fan – Helen Brearley – added: “Please know that Adam has inspired many young players in Nottingham.”
And a third – Alan Hukins – said: “It’s so sad to hear this terrible news.” “Sheffield is my team and Nottingham is our big rival, but we are with all our hockey friends in Nottingham and especially at this terrible time your family.”
After witnessing the incident, one person wrote on
Another wrote on Facebook: “My 17 year old came home battered, he said he couldn’t forget what he saw tonight.” He’s white as a sheet. “My thoughts and prayers are with the teams involved.”
Someone else shared: “My son and I were there watching the game intently.” We just keep hugging each other. “A lot of angry people, so I know we’re not alone.”
Another wrote on
Hockey fans took to social media this morning to share their heartache
A fifth added: “I really hope he is well and that the news of his recovery will be made public soon.” “Thoughts and prayers to him and his family at this very anxious time.”
A spokesman for Yorkshire Ambulance Service told Web: “We were called to the Sheffield Steelers game at the Sheffield Arena at 8.21pm this evening.”
“We treated a man and sent two ambulances and an intensive care paramedic and we took a patient to hospital.”
A South Yorkshire Police spokesman added: “We were called at 8.25pm yesterday (October 28) to reports that a player had been seriously injured during a Sheffield Steelers v Nottingham Panthers match at the Utilita Arena in Sheffield. “
“Officers attended the scene along with other emergency services and a man in his 20s was taken to hospital with serious injuries. “Sadly he was later pronounced dead in hospital.
“Our officers remain at the scene carrying out inquiries today (October 29) and our investigation into the circumstances of the incident is ongoing.”
Nottingham Panthers posted on X: “Players return to changing rooms.”
The account then provided an update that said, “Fans have been asked to leave the building due to a serious medical emergency.”
Nottingham Motorpoint Arena, home of the Panthers, posted later in the evening.’
Web has contacted Nottingham Panthers and South Yorkshire Police for comment.
The American Mr. Johnson previously played for the Pittsburgh Penguins.