Adam Johnson, a 29-year-old American ice hockey player, died after a freak accident in which his neck was cut by an opposing player’s skate blade during a game in England’s Elite Ice Hockey League.
The Nottingham Panthers, who play in England’s Elite Ice Hockey League (EIHL), announced Sunday that Johnson died after his throat was cut by a skate blade during a collision in Saturday’s game against the Sheffield Steelers.
*TRIGGER WARNING*
Johnson received emergency treatment on the ice before being taken to Sheffield’s Northern General Hospital. About 8,000 fans at Sheffield’s Utilita Arena were asked to leave the building because of what the Panthers announced as a “major medical emergency.”
Matt Petgrave was the hockey player whose skate slit Adam Johnson’s neck. According to reports, Petgrave has a history of bad behavior in the EIHL, including racking up the most penalty minutes and getting booted out of games.
Police in England are investigating the death.