Former NHL athlete Adam Johnson met with a tragic fate as he lost his life in an unexpected mishap while participating in a game in England last Saturday. The cause of his demise was a severe neck injury, as confirmed by both his club and various news sources.
This dreadful occurrence unfolded in the midst of the second period of the Challenge Cup match featuring the Nottingham Panthers and the Sheffield Steelers at Sheffield’s Utilita Arena.
According to multiple sources, the 29-year-old Johnson sustained an injury when an opposing player’s skate blade made contact with him during an on-ice collision.
“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. 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,” the Panthers stated on Sunday.
As reported by ESPN, Johnson received medical attention on the ice before being transported to Sheffield’s Northern General Hospital. As the players headed back to the locker room, it was said that the nearly 8,000 spectators were requested to vacate the arena.
The Elite Ice Hockey League (EIHL) declared the postponement of all Sunday’s scheduled games in response to the tragic passing of Johnson.
Hailing from Minnesota, Johnson had a brief stint with the Pittsburgh Penguins, participating in 13 games and recording a single goal and three assists.
