Adam Johnson death updates — Nottingham Panthers ice hockey star dies after ‘freak accident’ involving Matt Petgrave
ADAM Johnson has died following a "freak accident" that took place during Saturday night's game.
Former NHL star , 29, suffered a gash to his throat when he collided with Sheffield Steelers' Matt Petgrave on Saturday.
Johnson's team said in a statement: "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."
South Yorkshire issued a statement on Tuesday confirming that the investigation "remains ongoing."
Read our live blog below for the latest news and updates...
What teams did Adam Johnson play for?
Adam Johnson played for several high-profile teams during his career.
These include:
- Pittsburgh Penguins
- Malmö Redhawks
- Augsburger Panthers
- Nottingham Panthers
English Ice Hockey Association to introduce neck guards
The English Ice Hockey Association, which governs the sport below the Elite League, has reacted to Johnson’s death.
It says it will now require all players in England to wear neck guards from the start of 2024.
“The EIHA makes a ‘strong recommendation’ that all players at all levels across English ice hockey use an approved ice hockey neck guard/protector whilst participating in all on-ice activities.
“This ‘strong recommendation’ is in place until 31 December 2023, after which it will become a mandatory requirement.
“It is not mandatory with immediate effect due to anticipated supply issues. This will be under constant review between now and mandatory implementation.
“All protective equipment must be worn without alterations and as directed by the manufacturers’ specification.”
Adam Johnson's fiancee to return to Minnesota
Adam Johnson's fiancee is reportedly returning to Minnesota to reunite with family after his tragic death.
Ryan Wolfe is understood to have visited the memorial with his teammates on Monday.
This week, she paid tribute to her partner as she said: "My sweet, sweet angel. I'll miss you forever and love you always."
Tonight's game postponed
The Elite Ice Hockey League has confirmed the Panthers' next three games have been postponed as players are "still coming to terms with the events of Saturday night".
A statement added: "The Elite League can confirm that games scheduled for both Tuesday and Wednesday will be postponed.
"Earlier today, the coaches of eight teams consulted with their players about what should happen next.
"These teams expressed their wish to return to playing Elite League fixtures this weekend.
"Nottingham Panthers and Sheffield Steelers will not return to the ice this weekend, and we would continue to ask everyone to support these clubs through what is an intensely difficult time."
Aunt claims star was ‘brought back to life in ambulance’ after 'freak accident'
Adam Johnson was "brought back to life" in an ambulance before dying during surgery, his aunt claims.
The ice hockey star, 29, suffered a gash to the neck when he was struck by an ice skate on Saturday night.
His aunt Kari Johnson was watching the game on a live-stream from her home in Minnesota when the "horrific" collision took place, reports.
She told local outlet KSTP-TV: "We saw it happen. It was horrific. I cannot even describe it because nobody should have to live through what we saw.
“The skate cut right through Adam’s windpipe, and it cut his carotid artery.
"At one point, they had lost him in the ambulance and they brought him back."
Adam Johnson’s teammate speaks out
Adam Johnson’s teammate, Westin Michaud, has spoken out following the death of the hockey star.
Michaud took to X to address criticism of Matt Petgrave, who was involved in the collision with Johnson.
He wrote: “I need to address something about the accident. We wholeheartedly stand with Matt Petgrave. The hate that Matt is receiving is terrible and completely uncalled for. I was at ice level on the bench closest to the accident, I saw both players moving fast.
“The unintentional clip of the Panther player’s leg by the Sheffield player caused the somersault. It’s clear to me his actions were unintentional and anyone suggesting otherwise is mistaken. Let’s come together and not spread unwarranted hate to someone who needs our support.”
Police urge public ‘not to speculate’ on the death of Adam Johnson
South Yorkshire Police (SYP) say they are continuing to investigate the death of Adam Johnson.
SYP said that officers have now left the scene and are continuing to carry out enquiries.
The force has released a statement asking the public to avoid speculation while they continue their enquiries.
Teammates to raise money for family of tragic ice-hockey star Adam Johnson
Adam Johnson’s teammates at Nottingham Panthers are to set up a fundraising page to raise money for the family of the ice hockey player, who died in a freak accident.
In a statement on X, the team said: ‘We would like to thank everyone for their messages of love and support from far and wide.
“The Nottingham Panthers are in the process of setting up an official GoFundMe page to support Adam Johnson’s family and will have more details on this soon."
What happened to Adam Johnson?
According to witnesses, former NFL star Johnson, 29, suffered a gash to his throat in the freak accident.
The game between his new team the Nottingham Panthers and the Sheffield Steelers had to be abandoned.
The team said: “The Nottingham Panthers are truly devastated to announce that Adam Johnson has tragically passed away following a freak accident at the game in Sheffield [on Saturday] night.”
Yorkshire Ambulance Service said: “We were called at 8:21 [on Saturday] to the Sheffield Steeler’s game at Sheffield arena.
“We attended a male and sent two ambulances and a critical care paramedic, and we sent one patient to hospital.”
Eye witnesses says players from both teams formed a ring around Johnson as apparently there was quite a lot of blood.
Around 8,000 fans are believed to have witnessed the horror collision between the two players at Utilita Arena Sheffield.
Nottingham South MP pays respects
A Nottingham South MP has expressed her sadness afte the passing of Adam Johnson.
Lilian Greenwood said: “I know the thoughts of our city are with Adam Johnson’s family, friends, team-mates, everyone at the club, fans and in the wider ice hockey family.”
Nottingham Panthers’ full statement
The team said: “The Nottingham Panthers are truly devastated to announce that Adam Johnson has tragically passed away following a freak accident at the game in Sheffield [on Saturday] 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.
“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 [the] news.”
South Yorkshire Police investigating death
A spokesperson for the force said: ‘We were called at 8.25pm [on 28 October] to reports that a player had been seriously injured during a Sheffield Steelers versus Nottingham Panthers game at the Utilita Arena in Sheffield.
“Officers attended the scene alongside other emergency services and one man, aged in his 20s, was taken to hospital with serious injuries. Sadly, he was later pronounced deceased at hospital."
Adam Johnson’s teammate speaks out
Adam Johnson’s teammate, Westin Michaud, has spoken out following the death of the hockey star.
Michaud took to X to address criticism of Matt Petgrave, who was involved in the collision with Johnson.
He wrote: “I need to address something about the accident. We wholeheartedly stand with Matt Petgrave. The hate that Matt is receiving is terrible and completely uncalled for. I was at ice level on the bench closest to the accident, I saw both players moving fast.
“The unintentional clip of the Panther player’s leg by the Sheffield player caused the somersault. It’s clear to me his actions were unintentional and anyone suggesting otherwise is mistaken. Let’s come together and not spread unwarranted hate to someone who needs our support.”
Journalist describes incident leading up to Johnson’s tragic death
Christian Bennet, who was at the match, told : “Two players blindsided each other, just bumped into each other.
“The Sheffield player clearly got knocked off his feet and his skate went up and slit [the other player’s] throat.
“I’ve never seen that amount of blood come out of anyone at any sort of pace.
“It is one of the grimmest things I’ve ever seen at a sports event.
“It was an absolute family atmosphere… everyone was crying,”
“They made an announcement for everyone to leave but to stay in their cars so the ambulance could get there and they put screens up around him.
“When I went out on to the concourse there were kids bawling uncontrollably, because of the level of blood which came out of his neck. It was genuinely a freak accident.”
Petr Cech’s ice hockey team makes neck guards mandatory following death of Adam Johnson
An English ice hockey team which features former Chelsea goalkeeper Petr Cech are to make neck guards mandatory for all of their players and coaches following Adam Johnson’s tragic death at the age of 29 on Saturday.
On the introduction of mandatory neck guards for players and coaching staff, Oxford City Stars said in a statement: “In the wake of the tragic incident involving Adam Johnson, who sadly lost his life in a freak in-game accident, Oxford City Stars is advancing its commitment to enhance player safety.
“The club is proud to announce the introduction of mandatory neck guards for all players and coaching staff.”
Neck Guards Mandatory from 1/1/2024 ✅️
The legacy of AJ #47 — Oxford City Stars 🏒⭐️ (@OxfordCityStars)
Club and fans come together to pay tribute to Adam Johnson
Milton Keynes Lightning Ice Hockey Club have paid tribute to Adam Johnson and are to organise an online raffle to raise funds for his family.
Backed by the club’s supporters, the raffle will feature exclusive MKL jerseys, each with 47 – the ice hockey player’s number for the Panthers – and the name Johnson on the back.
Proceeds from the will be donated to the official Nottingham Panthers GoFundMe page, which is being established to provide vital support to the player’s family.
8,000 fans witness the horror collision that led to the death of Adam Johnson
About 8,000 fans are believed to have witnessed the horror collision that led to the death of Adam Johnson on Saturday.
According to witnesses, former NFL star Johnson, 29, suffered a gash to his throat in the freak accident.
The game between his new team the Nottingham Panthers and the Sheffield Steelers had to be abandoned.
Eye witnesses says players from both teams formed a ring around Johnson as apparently there was quite a lot of blood.
Police urge public ‘not to speculate’ on the death of Adam Johnson
South Yorkshire Police (SYP) say they are continuing to investigate the death of Adam Johnson.
The force released a statement on Tuesday afternoon asking the public to avoid speculation while they continue their enquiries.
Teammates to raise money for family of tragic ice-hockey star Adam Johnson
Adam Johnson’s teammates at Nottingham Panthers are to set up a fundraising page to raise money for the family of the ice hockey player, who died in a freak accident.
In a statement on X, the team said: ‘We would like to thank everyone for their messages of love and support from far and wide.
“The Nottingham Panthers are in the process of setting up an official GoFundMe page to support Adam Johnson’s family and will have more details on this soon.
English Ice Hockey Association reacts to Johnson’s death
The English Ice Hockey Association, which governs the sport below the Elite League, has reacted to Johnson’s death.
It says it will now require all players in England to wear neck guards from the start of 2024.
“The EIHA makes a ‘strong recommendation’ that all players at all levels across English ice hockey use an approved ice hockey neck guard/protector whilst participating in all on-ice activities.
“This ‘strong recommendation’ is in place until 31 December 2023, after which it will become a mandatory requirement.
“It is not mandatory with immediate effect due to anticipated supply issues. This will be under constant review between now and mandatory implementation.
“All protective equipment must be worn without alterations and as directed by the manufacturers’ specification.”
Glasgow Clan coach pays tribute
Glasgow Clan ice hockey club coach Jason Morgan said: “My heart breaks and I want to send my sincere condolences on behalf of the Glasgow Clan hockey club.
“Our thoughts and prayers at this time go out to the Johnson family and friends.
“The Nottingham organisation will need everyone’s support as they navigate through this tragic accident as the UK hockey family grieves together as another tragedy has taken place.
“It’s a sad day for the sport as we mourn one of our own.”
Who was Adam Johnson?
Born on June 22, 1994, Adam Johnson was an American professional ice hockey forward.
The ice hockey star played with the Pittsburgh Penguins of the National Hockey League and Johnson also played in Europe with Malmo Redhawks, Augburger Panther and Nottingham Panthers.
Johnson was raised in Hibbing, Minnesota where he graduated from high school before playing junior hockey with the Indiana Ice and Sioux City Musketeers.
Following his sophomore season with the Bulldogs in 2016/2017, netting 18 goals and tallied 37 points in 42 games, Johnson scured Minnesota Duluth’s berth in the 2017 Frozen Four when he scored an overtime, power-play goal to defeat Boston University.
Adam then attended the Pittsburg Penguins prospect development camp before agreeing to a two-year, entry-level contract with the Penguins on July 6, 2017.
Summary: Adam Johnson death – what we know so far
Adam Johnson, 29, died after appearing to receive a catastrophic cut to his neck from the skate blade of another player during the Challenge Cup game between his team Nottingham Panthers and Sheffield Steelers on Saturday.
Tributes have been paid from family, friends, teammates and fans to the player, who is originally from Minnesota in the US, and joined the Panthers as a forward in August.
The Panthers, which is organising fundraising for the star, have warned ice hockey supporters over a “fake” page that has been shared widely following Adam’s death.
The English Ice Hockey Association has now said it would be mandatory to wear a neck guard during “all on-ice activities” from the start of 2024 in a change to the rules after the death of Johnson.
South Yorkshire Police issued an updated statement on Tuesday afternoon to say they are continuing to investigate the incident and have asked the public to avoid speculation while they continue their enquiries.
Adam Johnson latest: Police seek help from 'specialised experts' and warn public not to speculate
South Yorkshire Police has confirmed it is carrying out "a range of enquiries", including having sought help from "specialised experts", as part of a probe into Johnson's death.
This afternoon, South Yorkshire Police (SYP) released an updated statement to say they are continuing to investigate the death of the 29-year-old ice-hockey player.
SYP said that officers have now left the scene and are continuing to carry out enquiries.
The force has released a statement asking the public to avoid speculation while they continue their enquiries.
What do we know about Adam Johnson?
Adam Johnson was just 29 when he died.
Born on June, 22, 1994, Adam Johnson was an American professional ice hockey forward.
The ice hockey star played with the Pittsburgh Penguins of the National Hockey League and Johnson also played in Europe with Malmo Redhawks, Augburger Panther and Nottingham Panthers.
Johnson was raised in Hibbing, Minnesota where he graduated from high school before playing junior hockey with the Indiana Ice and Sioux City Musketeers.