Fiancee of ice hockey star killed after throat slashed mid-game had to ID body
The fiancee of ice hockey star Adam Johnson had to identify his body after his throat was fatally slashed by a skate blade in a freak accident during a Challenge Cup match.
The Nottingham Panthers star collided with a Sheffield Steelers opponent on the ice, with the player catching Johnson on the neck with his skate as around 8,000 horrified fans watched on.
Attempts were made to save Johnson's life with the match being abandoned as the ice hockey star was taken to Northern General Hospital, but the extent of the 29-year-old's injuries were so severe that he tragically lost his life.
A brief court hearing at the Medico-Legal Centre in Sheffield on Friday heard how Johnson's heartbroken fiancee Ryan Wolfe identified his body in the hospital.
Senior Coroner Tanyka Rawden, who adjourned proceedings until January, said she was unable to fix a date for a full inquest. She said: "My initial investigation has led me to believe that on October 28, while playing ice hockey in a game between Sheffield Steelers and Nottingham Panthers, Mr Johnson was seriously injured.
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"He was taken by ambulance to Northern General Hospital in Sheffield where he died later that day from his injuries. He was identified by his fiancee, miss Ryan Wolfe.
"I am not in a position to fix the inquest at this time as my investigation into the death of this gentleman is not complete. I would like to take this opportunity to offer his family, friends and all those who him my most sincere condolences at this difficult time."
Johnson's death has led to calls for neck guards to be made mandatory for all professional players to prevent similar tragedies from occurring in the future.
Adam Johnson tragically passed away in hospitalSouth Yorkshire Police officers are currently studying footage of the incident and the investigation "is likely to take some time".
Johnson's fiancee Ryan shared a post on Instagram in memory of Johnson. "My sweet, sweet angel. I'll miss you forever and love you always," she wrote.
Johnson's aunt Kari Johnson shared two pictures of herself with the ice hockey star on Facebook, where she wrote: "I lost half of my heart today. Love you always Munch".
Meanwhile, 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.
"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.
Johnson's aunt Kari Johnson paid tribute to her nephew (Facebook)
Johnson also played for the Pittsburgh Penguins (Icon Sportswire 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.
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"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."
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