Adam Johnson recently passed away tragically while doing what he loves. His loved ones have since broken their silence on his untimely death and how they learned about it.
On October 29, 2023, a British professional ice hockey club called The Nottingham Panthers announced Adam’s tragic death on their Twitter page.
“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 club penned.
The Panthers expressed their condolences to the late sportsman’s family, including his beloved partner and friends, during their time of grief. The statement further said everyone at the club is devastated by Adam’s death.
The now-deceased, who played with jersey No. 47, was described as an “outstanding ice hockey player,” a “great teammate,” and an “incredible person.” “Rest in peace, Adam,” the message concluded.
The English Ice Hockey Association also released a statement after Adam’s death on their website, expressing their “heartfelt condolences” to the hockey player’s loved ones.
Adam reportedly suffered a severe neck injury during a game in England’s pro league. The live-streamed event showed him colliding with an opponent on the ice rink, resulting in a skate blade cutting his neck.
He stood up and tried to make his way to the bench, but he never reached there as he collapsed. His teammates, including the medical staff, rushed to his side to assist him. The beloved Minnesota native was given CPR and then rushed to Sheffield’s Northern General Hospital. Adam sadly died at the hospital.
Adam’s Family Witnessed the Tragic Incident
His aunt, Kari Johnson, was among those who confirmed his passing, saying she and his father witnessed what happened to him while watching the game online:
“We saw it happen. It was horrific. […] And, at one point, they had lost him in the ambulance, and they brought him back.”
Unfortunately, Adam could not make it through surgery upon arrival at the hospital. Kari explained doctors could not stop the bleeding, and he lost “way too much blood,” admitting the entire experience was “traumatic.”
Tributes in Honor of Adam – The Police Are Investigating His Death
Tributes poured in following Adam’s passing. His former teammates at the Ontario Reign walked out on the ice on October 30, 2023, and put his former jersey, No. 49, on the center ice before the game started. The clip was posted on Twitter along with the message that read, “Forever in our hearts.”
In addition, Adam’s girlfriend also paid homage to him on her Instagram Story. She shared a black and white picture of him beaming in his sports gear and wrote, “My sweet, sweet angel. I’ll miss you forever and love you always.” She has shared multiple photos of them together on her account.
Meanwhile, South Yorkshire Police released a statement after Adam’s death, saying they would be investigating it. Through their “ongoing” investigation, the authorities have since been in contact with witnesses and experts and reviewed footage from the game to determine what led to the tragedy.
Adam was 29 years old and is one of the sports stars who died this year as baseball player Tim Wakefield passed away last month. The late NHL player appeared in 13 National Hockey League games with the Pittsburgh Penguins in 2019 and 2020.
