Nottingham Panthers player dies after suffering serious injury during match
It's thought Adam Johnson suffered a cut to his neck during a Challenge Cup game against the Sheffield Steelers
Last updated 29th Oct 2023
The Nottingham Panthers have confirmed forward Adam Johnson has died in a "Freak accident" during Saturday's (OCT 29th) Challenge Cup match.
The game against Sheffield Steelers at the Utilita arena was stopped in the 35th minute so the player could get emergency treatment from paramedics.
The Panthers said on Sunday they were "devastated" the 29 year old had died.
In a statement posted on X, formerly known as Twitter, the club said:
"The Nottingham Panthers are truly devastated to announce that Adam Johnson has 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.
"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."
Witnesses say players formed a ring around him before protective screens were put up and they were taken off the ice.
The Panthers tweeted shortly after the incident that the 8,000 fans in attendance had "been asked to leave the building due to a major medical emergency".
The Elite Ice Hockey League (EIHL) confirmed Sunday's matches across the UK have been postponed "in light of this deeply upsetting news".
They added: "The thoughts of everyone connected with the EIHL are with Adam's family, friends and team-mates at this incredibly sad and difficult time."