Janine Leach/Icon Sportswire
A March 29, 2019 photo of Adam Johnson playing for the Pittsburgh Penguins.
CNN
—
Police are investigating the death of American ice hockey player Adam Johnson, who died in a “freak accident” while playing for England's Nottingham Panthers on Saturday.
During the second period of the Panthers' game against the Sheffield Steelers, Johnson appeared to be seriously injured in a collision with a Steelers player.
Spectators were asked to leave Sheffield's Utilita Arena, the game was immediately stopped, and the Panthers confirmed on Sunday that Johnson had died “as a result of a freak accident during the game.” He was 29 years old.
South Yorkshire Police (SYP) announced on Monday that it was investigating the matter.
“At 8:25pm on Saturday, October 28, we were informed that a player had sustained a serious injury during the match between Sheffield Steelers and Nottingham Panthers at the Utilita Arena in Sheffield.” mentioned in.
“Officers attended the scene along with other emergency services and a man, aged in his 20s, was taken to hospital with serious injuries. Unfortunately, he was later pronounced dead at hospital.
“Our officers remained at the scene conducting inquiries and the circumstances surrounding the incident continue to be investigated.”
SYP released a new statement on Tuesday, saying that although its officers had left the scene, an extensive investigation was ongoing and would take some time “due to the complex nature of this tragic and unprecedented incident.” Announced.
“As with all sudden and unexpected deaths, it is standard practice for police to fully investigate the circumstances and feed the findings back to the coroner,” the SYP statement added, adding that the death was unnatural and violent. He mentioned a specialized judge who investigates deaths that appear to be fatal. , or the cause is unknown.
Sheffield City Council told CNN it would cooperate with the investigation.
“First and foremost, our thoughts are with Adam's family, friends and team-mates at this very sad and difficult time,” said Councilor Jo Otten, Chair of Sheffield City Council's Waste and Streets Policy Committee. Stated.
“Our health and safety team are assisting South Yorkshire Police with their investigation and will assist if necessary.”
Fans left flowers outside Nottingham's Motorpoint Arena, where the Panthers played, and tributes were paid around the world.
“My sweet sweet angel. I will miss you forever and love you always,” Johnson's fiancée Ryan Wolfe wrote on Instagram Stories.
His former team, the National Hockey League's (NHL) Pittsburgh Penguins, also honored him before and during Monday's game against the Anaheim Ducks.
PPG Paints Arena fans are invited to: stand and cheer Meanwhile, players from both teams gathered in the center ice circle before the game to remember Johnson.
Gene J. Pusker/AP
The Pittsburgh Penguins and Anaheim Ducks meet at center ice before Monday's game.
All players also praised Johnson through sports. Special “AJ 47” decal on their helmets.
“He was a great kid and a good player,'' head coach said. mike sullivan said. “Boy, he really could skate. It was an honor to be his coach. There are no words to describe how I feel about this whole situation. It's just an incredible tragedy. is.”
The English Ice Hockey Association (EIHA), the governing body for ice hockey in England and Wales, released a statement on Monday detailing its efforts to improve player safety following Johnson's death.
In the short term, the EIHA has announced that it strongly recommends that players at all levels of English Ice Hockey use neck guards/protectors during all on-ice activities. According to the statement, it will be compulsory to wear neck guards from December 31st. “Immediate enforcement is not mandatory as supply issues are anticipated,” the EIHA said.
EIHA added: “It is unacceptable for any athlete to lose their life while playing sport.” “Our responsibility is not only to avoid a recurrence of such a tragic accident, but also to pre-emptively address any other incidents that may occur in the future.”
The EIHA has also begun a “thorough review” of all aspects of player safety equipment (helmets, mouthguards, gum shields, face protection, etc.), and has announced that it will “regard the continued and continuous improvement of player safety”. It also confirmed that it would provide clear guidance to members. and their duties within this region. ”
The Panthers announced Monday that Elite Ice Hockey League games scheduled for this week have been canceled, as has the Steelers.
Johnson was born in Hibbing, Minnesota and began his professional career in the American Hockey League. He made it to the NHL with the Penguins, appearing in 13 games over two seasons and scoring four goals.
Johnson also played in Sweden and Germany before joining the Panthers for the 2023-24 season.
