American ice hockey star Adam Johnson has died after his “throat was cut by a skate blade” during a game last night, Oct. 28. 

The Nottingham Panthers player was involved in a serious accident while playing against the Sheffield Steelers on Saturday night.

The incident took place during the second period of the contest, and all 8,000 fans in the stadium had to leave, with the match subsequently abandoned.

Following the incident, paramedics immediately went out on the ice and formed a protective ring around the player. However, he has sadly passed away at the age of 29.

 

The Challenge Cup contest was stopped in the 35th minute and later abandoned. He was immediately rushed to Sheffield’s Northern General Hospital.

Footage from the match shows Johnson being struck in the neck by a skate, before he then collapsed.

Johnson’s mother confirmed news of her son’s tragic death, writing on Facebook: “I lost half of my heart today. Love you always.”

A statement from the Nottingham Panthers 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 last 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 today’s news.

“The Panthers would like to thank everyone who rushed to support Adam last night in the most testing of circumstances. Adam, our number 47, was not only an outstanding ice hockey player, but also a great team-mate and an incredible person with his whole life ahead of him. The club will dearly miss him and will never forget him.

“We ask that the privacy of Adam’s family and friends, and everyone at the club is respected at this difficult time as we all seek to come to terms with our grief. Rest in peace Adam.”

 

Soon after the accident happened, a statement from the Motorpoint Arena tweeted: “Our heartfelt thoughts go out to Adam Johnson, his loved ones, all the Panthers players, staff, fans and the whole ice hockey community, following his horrific injury this evening,” they said.

Fellow ice hockey stars have paid tribute on social media.

The National Ice Hockey League also tweeted: “The saddest of news this morning. We send our love, support and strength to the family and friends of Adam Johnson, as well as the Panthers organisation and the wider Nottingham ice hockey community. Sleep well Adam.”