Adam Johnson's desperate final move before death in 'freak hockey accident'

04 November 2023 , 17:23

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Adam Johnson was 29 years old when he sadly died last week (Image: NHLI via Getty Images)

Ice hockey star Adam Johnson was playing for Nottingham Panthers against Sheffield Steelers at the Utilita Arena last Saturday when he collided with an opponent and sustained a gash to his neck which turned out to be fatal. Although paramedics were quick to respond, the 29-year-old was tragically later pronounced dead in Sheffield's General Hospital.

This evening, the Panthers will come together to remember Johnson. The team said in a statement on X, formerly known as Twitter: "Supporters of all clubs and the general public are invited to attend the Motorpoint Arena from 5:30pm to pay tribute to our #47. The arena bowl will be open and people will be invited onto the ice, which will be carpeted, to sign Books of Condolence."

Adam Johnson tragically died after being involved in a freak accident on the ice last Saturday (Joe Sargent/NHLI via Getty Images)

While South Yorkshire Police continue to investigate the circumstances of his death, the ice hockey community has been in mourning and Johnson's family, friends and fans have taken to social media to pay tributes. Johnson's fiancée, Ryan Wolfe, who moved to England with him to support his career, wrote: "My sweet, sweet angel. I'll miss you forever and love you always."

The Nottingham Panthers' Challenge Cup tie away to the Sheffield Steelers was underway when Johnson was fatally wounded in the 35th minute, after a player's skate slit his throat on the ice. It's reported Johnson attempted to skate back to his team's bench in the moment after, but officials and teammates stopped him and called for emergency help.

The players then formed a ring around Johnson while he received treatment, before protective screens were raised around him. Johnson was taken to Sheffield General Hospital, while the Panthers issued a statement shortly after that spectators had "been asked to leave the building due to a major medical emergency". Johnson's aunt Kari Johnson confirmed the news of his passing in an emotional statement: "I lost half of my heart today. Love you always Munch."

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A statement from the Panthers on Sunday 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.

His fiancée Ryan Wolfe was watching the match when the incident happened (ryanwolfe17/Instagram)

She has since posted an emotional message to her other half on Instagram (ryanwolfe17/Instagram)

"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."

The English Ice Hockey Association (EIHA) has since decided to introduce new laws to make it mandatory for players to wear neckguards from 2024. The EIHA said in a statement: "It is unacceptable for any player to lose their life while playing sport. Our responsibility is not only to avert the recurrence of such a heart-breaking accident, but also to pre-emptively address other foreseeable incidents in the future. We bear both a legal and a moral obligation to respond in a measured and pragmatic way. There is a distinct likelihood that comprehensive evaluations will transpire at the international level, and the EIHA is committed to taking an active and constructive role in this process."

South Yorkshire Police has said in a statement: "Our investigation into the death of a player following a Sheffield Steelers versus Nottingham Panthers game at the Utilita Arena in Sheffield on Saturday 28 October remains ongoing. Since Saturday, detectives have been carrying out a range of enquiries including reviewing footage, talking to witnesses and seeking the advice and support of highly specialised experts to seek to understand the circumstances surrounding what happened.

"We have also been working closely with the health and safety department at Sheffield City Council, which is supporting our investigation. As with all unexpected and sudden deaths, it is standard practice for police to investigate the circumstances fully and feedback our findings to HM Coroner. Our officers have now left the scene, however due to the complex nature of this tragic and unprecedented incident, it is likely the wider investigation will take some time. We continue to encourage the public to avoid speculation, including on social media, while we continue our enquiries and will provide updates when appropriate. Our thoughts remain with the loved ones of all those affected."

Nia Dalton