A professional ice hockey player, 29, passed away on Saturday night during a cup match between the Nottingham Panthers and Sheffield Steelers. Tributes have been made to him.
Adam Johnson, a native of Minnesota in the United States, passed away following what appeared to be a devastating blade wound to his neck during the game at Sheffield Arena.
Many supporters were in tears as the contest was abandoned, according to witnesses who described the accident as horrible.
The Nottingham Panthers, Johnson’s team, announced his passing early on Sunday.
“At this incredibly trying time, the Panthers would like to extend our sympathies and thoughts to Adam’s partner, family, and all of his friends.
“Everyone at the club is devastated, including the players, employees, owners, and management.”
“Not only an outstanding ice hockey player, but also a great teammate and an incredible person with his whole life ahead of him,” was how the club defined Johnson, “our number 47.”
Witnesses characterized the event that resulted in Johnson’s demise as an odd confrontation.
Journalist Christian Bennett of the Guardian, who was there at the game, stated: “Two players just happened to bump into each other and blindsided each other.”
The Sheffield player cut the other player’s throat after he was obviously knocked off his feet and skated away.
Never before have I witnessed so much blood leave a person so quickly. It’s among the most depressing things I’ve ever witnessed at a sporting event.
Johnson stood back up and attempted to skate, but after taking approximately three steps, he collapsed.
Approximately 8,000 individuals, some of them were youngsters, were present. “Everyone was crying… it was a real family atmosphere,” said Bennett, the executive editor for visual journalism at the Guardian.
“They set up screens around him and announced that everyone had to leave, but they should remain in their cars so the ambulance could arrive.
“Due of the quantity of blood oozing from his neck, children were sobbing uncontrollably when I emerged onto the concourse. It was truly an unusual incident.
According to a Yorkshire Ambulance Service representative, they were summoned to Sheffield Arena at 8:21 p.m. in response to “an incident on the ice.”
A critical care paramedic, two ambulances, and one individual who received on-site treatment before being sent to the hospital were all present.
The Elite Ice Hockey League (EIHL) expressed its “heartbreak” upon learning of Johnson’s passing following the “freak” accident.
All of the games scheduled for Sunday, October 29 have been postponed due to the “deeply upsetting” news, according to the statement.
Adam’s family, friends, and teammates are in our thoughts and prayers during this deeply sad and trying time, on behalf of the whole EIHL community. Additionally, we would ask that everyone respect Adam’s family’s privacy at this time.
“Saturday’s events will have been quite upsetting for many of us. Please remember to look after one another and yourself.
“On behalf of the Glasgow Clan Hockey Club, I would like to extend my sincere condolences,” stated Jason Morgan, head coach of the team.
“At this difficult time, our prayers and sympathies are with the Johnson family and friends.
“The UK hockey family is grieving together over yet another tragedy, and the Nottingham organization will need everyone’s support as they work through this tragic accident.”
“The sport is grieving today as we lose one of our own,”
X, the new name for Twitter, was not the only league team to offer sympathies. “Our thoughts, prayers, and full support are with those involved at the Nottingham Panthers and Sheffield Steelers organizations following last night’s freak accident,” the Manchester Storm ice hockey team stated. We are at a loss for words in light of this incredibly awful catastrophe, but everyone at Manchester Storm is offering our love and support.
Leeds Knights stated: “After learning of Adam Johnson’s tragic passing, we join the rest of the hockey world.
“RIP, Adam. Our thoughts and prayers are with his family, friends, teammates, and everyone else involved last night.”
Following stints with the Pittsburgh Penguins, Malmö Redhawks in Sweden, and Augsburger Panthers in Germany, Johnson signed with the Panthers in August.
The Notts County football team sent their condolences to Adam’s family, the Panthers, and everyone else impacted by this awful news.