How did Adam Johnson die? Tragedy strikes as ice hockey star dies at 29 in freak accident on the rink
LONDON, ENGLAND: Renowned ice hockey star Adam Johnson died in a horrific accident on the rink during a match between the Nottingham Panthers and Sheffield Steelers at Utilita Arena Sheffield on Saturday night, October 28, 2023.
The 29-year-old athlete lost his life after a seemingly one-in-a-million accident when he was struck in the neck by an ice hockey blade. The shocking incident unfolded in front of thousands of spectators, leaving the entire hockey community in shock and grief.
Johnson's girlfriend, who had been in the crowd during the match, rushed onto the ice rink to be by his side immediately after the accident. Fellow hockey players formed a protective ring around Johnson, providing a shield of privacy as paramedics arrived and erected a protective screen around the injured player, The Sun reported.
Witnesses describe the horror
Eyewitnesses described the scene as "horrible" and surreal, with one stating, "His teammates looked horrified and banded together around him to shield him from the crowd. They were amazing."
Despite the intense rivalry typically associated with the sport, fans and players of the other teams put their differences aside, coming together as a united "hockey family" in the face of this tragic event.
The cause of the accident was attributed to a collision with rival player Matt Petgrave, which led to Johnson suffering a grievous injury to his throat. The severity of the injury was such that the game had to be abandoned, and spectators were left in tears. The video of the incident is rather graphic in nature. Viewer discretion is advised.
Hazel Woods, a Panthers fan who witnessed the incident, recalled how Petgrave's blade became lodged in Johnson's throat, resulting in a horrifying scene with "blood everywhere."
"His teammates looked horrified and banded together around him to shield him from the crowd. They were amazing," she told the outlet.
According to Woods, "no one was to blame" for the "totally tragic" accident. She added, "Normally there would be a lot of rivalry between the Panthers and Steelers but not today, we have put that aside. It's the hockey family coming together."
Hockey fans, teammates, and well-wishers paid tribute to Johnson by leaving flowers, candles, a jersey bearing his number, and heartfelt messages outside the arena in a makeshift memorial.
Assistant coach Kevin Moore expressed the club's gratitude for the outpouring of support, stating, "We are going to be strong and will continue that way, and we will do you guys proud. We appreciate you coming here today, and we thank you for all your support."
Ongoing investigation
South Yorkshire Police launched an investigation into the tragic incident.
The police spokesperson stated, "We were called at 8.25 pm yesterday (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. Our officers remain at the scene carrying out enquiries today (29 October) and our investigation into the circumstances surrounding the incident remains ongoing," they added.
Adam Johnson's death is not only a loss for his family and fans but for the entire ice hockey community. The club had previously shown support for Matt Petgrave, who had faced disciplinary actions in the past.
Tributes for Johnson poured in not only at the Sheffield Arena but also at Nottingham's Motor Point arena, where tearful supporters gathered.
One witness told the Daily Mail that Johnson valiantly attempted to skate back to his team after sustaining the life-threatening injury, only to collapse on the ice, triggering a frantic response from medics and players as they rushed out to help the stricken star.
Yorkshire Ambulance Service was called at around 8.21 p.m. before they sent two ambulances and a critical care paramedic. One man was taken to hospital. About four minutes later, South Yorkshire Police were informed that Johnson was pronounced dead at the hospital.
The investigation remains ongoing.