Adam Johnson dies during match after skate slashed his throat in freak accident
An ice hockey star who is believed to have taken a blade to his throat in a horrific injury during a game has died aged 29, his family have said.
Adam Johnson’s injury was so horrific it forced the game to be abandoned and left traumatised fans in tears.
The American athlete is believed to have been stuck in the neck by an ice hockey blade in a freak accident at the match between Nottingham Panthers and Sheffield Steelers at Utilita Arena Sheffield this evening.
His mother Kari took to social media to share her heartbreak this morning – telling friends: ‘I lost half of my heart today.’
And his club said they were ‘truly devastated’ by the news – paying tribute to ‘a great teammate and an incredible person with his whole life ahead of him’.
The Elite Ice Hockey League said they were ‘heartbroken’ to confirm the ‘deeply upsetting’ news – and have postponed all games scheduled to take place today.
One witness told MailOnline that Mr Johnson tried to skate back to his team after the injury to his throat but collapsed before he made it, prompting panicked scenes as players and medics rushed out to help the stricken star.
Yorkshire Ambulance Service said they were called at around 8.21pm before sending two ambulances and a critical care paramedic – with one man taken to hospital.
South Yorkshire Police were contacted four minutes later, and confirmed he was later pronounced deceased at hospital.
Officers from the force remain at the scene and an investigation into the incident is ongoing.
Devastated spectators who witnessed the accident were left in ‘tears’ and hugging one another, with one saying ‘they’ll never get over’ what they saw.
‘It was horrible to see. People were crying and passing out,’ another shocked witness added.
The freak accident appeared to have been caused by a Sheffield Steelers’ player as he tried to tackle another one of Mr Johnson’s teammates.
The northern club shared a statement from the Elite Ice Hockey League – adding: ‘Everyone at the Steelers send their condolences to Adam Johnson’s partner, family team mates.’
Ice Hockey UK added: ‘Ice Hockey UK would like to send our thoughts and condolences to the family, friends and team-mates of Nottingham Panthers forward Adam Johnson who passed away last night.
‘The hockey family stands together with his family – and with each other – at this difficult time.’