06 November 2023 , 17:45
592
0
Adam Johnson has been laid to rest and his family has paid an emotional tribute after his freak death during an ice hockey match.
Nottingham Panthers star Johnson suffered a fatal gash to the throat when colliding with a Sheffield Steelers opponent's skate blade during an Elite Ice Hockey League game in England.
The 29-year-old has been laid to rest in his home town of Hibbing, Minnesota with his fiancee Ryan Wolfe paying tribute on social media with the message: "We miss you so much". His family also published an emotional obituary.
A section of it reads: "Adam loved the outdoors and the simple things in life. He enjoyed yard work, fishing, golfing with buddies, playing in the Iron Ice hockey tournament, projects around the house, reading, following the stock market and listening to his favourite music.
Adam especially enjoyed his quiet coffee time with his fiancee Ryan, dreaming about their future, and taking in the mornings together. Adam loved to live a slower life and took pleasure in the small, everyday things.
NHL clash marred by ugly brawl in stands as fan sent tumbling by vicious punch
"Simple pleasures Adam enjoyed were manually grinding his coffee beans, seeing the colours of each sunset, sitting lakeside by a bonfire with a glass of his favourite red wine, and trying out new dinner recipes. But more than anything, he loved a good deal on Costco steaks.
"He loved to be out pontooning with his future in-laws on Swan Lake, making memories at the Pig's Eye, and family get-togethers. Adam and Ryan were lucky enough to have had many travels and enjoyed taking in the beauty of the world together.
Adam Johnson tragically passed away after suffering a gash to his throat"From Christmas markets in Germany to pistachio gelato in Italy, Adam found something to love everywhere. Adam had a quiet confidence about him and was never boastful. He was never looking to be the centre of attention, but rather he preferred to listen to others and do what he could to make them feel important.
"He was many things to many people, but to those who were lucky enough to be loved by Adam knew he was thoughtful, patient and genuinely authentic. He loved his fiancee, family, and friends above all else. His loving and quiet demeanour will be eternally missed."
A brief court hearing at the Medico-Legal Centre in Sheffield on Friday heard how Johnson's fiancee was required to identify 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 added: "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.
Johnson's aunt Kari paid tribute to her nephew (Facebook)
Adam Johnson also represented the Pittsburgh Penguins (Icon Sportswire via Getty Images)"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."
South Yorkshire Police officers are currently studying footage of the incident and the investigation "is likely to take some time".