29 October 2023 , 11:02
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The aunt of Adam Johnson has written an emotional tribute to her nephew after he died in a freak accident while playing for the Nottingham Panthers.
The 29-year-old forward passed away after an on-ice collision in a Challenge Cup match against Sheffield Steelers saw him fatally injured by the blade of an ice skate. He slit his throat on a skate before being tended to by paramedics and rushed to hospital, where he was later pronounced dead.
The ice hockey community has been left reeling from the shock, with the Elite League postponing all games on Sunday. Johnson, from Minnesota in the United States, was a popular member of the Panthers team and his family have been left heartbroken by his death.
Sharing two photos of herself with Adam, Kari Johnson wrote on Facebook: "I lost half of my heart today. Love you always Munch". Johnson joined the Panthers for the 2023/24 season having previously starred in North America, where he played 13 games for NHL side Pittsburgh Penguins.
A statement from the Panthers read: "The Nottingham Panthers are truly devastated to announce that Adam Johnson has tragically passed away following a freak accident at the game in Sheffield last night.
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"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. Everyone at the club including players, staff, management, and ownership are heartbroken at the news of Adam’s passing.
Adam Johnson playing for the Pittsburgh Penguins (NHLI via Getty Images)"Our thoughts are also with the fans and staff of both clubs, especially those who attended or were following the game, who will be devastated following today’s news. The Panthers would like to thank everyone who rushed to support Adam last night 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. We ask that the privacy of Adam’s family and friends, and everyone at the club is respected at this difficult time as we all seek to come to terms with our grief. Rest in peace Adam."
Adam Johnson played as a forward for Nottingham Panthers (NHLI via Getty Images)The Elite League said in a statement: "In light of this deeply upsetting news, the Elite League has postponed all games scheduled to take place on Sunday 29 October 2023.
"The thoughts and condolences of everyone connected with the EIHL are with Adam’s family, friends and teammates at this incredibly sad and difficult time. We would also ask everyone to respect the privacy of Adam’s family at this time. Many of us will have found Saturday’s events very distressing. Please take care of yourselves and each other."