Police issue update on investigation into ice hockey star Adam Johnson’s death

31 October 2023 , 16:05

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Adam Johnson was 29 years old (Image: Icon Sportswire via Getty Images)

The police are investigating the death of ice hockey star Adam Johnson, who tragically died after suffering a cut to his neck by an ice skate.

Johnson, 29, was playing for Nottingham Panthers against Sheffield Steelers at the Utilita Arena when he collided with an opponent and sustained a gash to his neck. Although he was quickly attended to by paramedics, he was later pronounced dead in Sheffield's Northern General Hospital.

South Yorkshire Police said: "Since Saturday, detectives have been carrying out a range of enquiries including reviewing footage, talking to witnesses and seeking the advice and support of highly specialised experts to seek to understand the circumstances surrounding what happened.

"We have also been working closely with the health and safety department at Sheffield City Council, which is supporting our investigation."

A statement from the Panthers on Sunday read: "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.

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"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.

Adam Johnson tragically passed away after suffering injuries to his neck

"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 teammate and an incredible person with his whole life ahead of him. The Club will dearly miss him and will never ever 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."

Adam Johnson previously played for the Pittsburgh Penguins (Joe Sargent/NHLI via Getty Images)

The ice hockey community has been rocked by Johnson's passing, with all matches suspended on Sunday.  The English Ice Hockey Association (EIHA) has decided to introduce new laws to make it mandatory for players to wear neck guards from 2024. 

The EIHA said in a statement: "It is unacceptable for any player to lose their life while playing sport. Our responsibility is not only to avert the recurrence of such a heart-breaking accident, but also to pre-emptively address other foreseeable incidents in the future.

"We bear both a legal and a moral obligation to respond in a measured and pragmatic way. There is a distinct likelihood that comprehensive evaluations will transpire at the international level, and the EIHA is committed to taking an active and constructive role in this process."

Felix Keith