Tragic video reveals seconds before Adam Johnson’s throat was slashed by Matt Petgrave’s skate in ice hockey accident
A TRAGIC video has revealed the seconds before Adam Johnson’s throat was slashed by an ice skate in a “freak accident”.
The Nottingham Panthers star, 29, suffered a gash to his throat in a collision with Sheffield Steelers’ Matt Petgrave on Saturday.
The footage shows Petgrave collide with a Panthers player, losing balance before Johnson appears to be struck by his airborne skate.
Johnson fell to the ground, with blood seen covering the ice in traumatic scenes at the Sheffield’s Utilita Arena.
He initially got to his feet and was helped towards the side of the rink by a teammate, before he is understood to have collapsed.
Players formed a ring Johnson to allow him privacy as he received emergency medical treatment, while his partner also ran onto the ice following the incident.
Ryan Wolfe, Johnson’s fiancée, took to Instagram today to share a photo of her partner.
She wrote: “My sweet, sweet angel. I’ll miss you forever and love you always.”
The couple are understood to have become engaged over the summer and lived together in England.
Thousands of fans were in attendance at the Elite Ice Hockey League game, but were sent home due to the “major medical emergency”.
Johnson was rushed to hospital from the arena, but the Panthers confirmed hours later he had died from his injuries.
Fans gathered outside the Nottingham’s Motorpoint Arena yesterday to pay tribute to the “outstanding ice hockey player” and “great teammate”.
A sea of tributes, including flowers, heartfelt messages, a shirt and cup with the player’s number 47, were left by heartbroken supporters from both clubs.
Those who had seen the incident described it as “one in a million” told how the player was “absolutely distraught”.
Panthers’ fan Hazel Woods, who witnessed the tragedy, said: “What happened was horrible and I can’t get the image out of my head.
“It is like a bad dream I can’t wake up from.”
Reliving the ordeal, the funeral director from Cambridge, added: “Suddenly during the match the blade stuck the player’s throat and there was blood everywhere.
“He tried to get to the side of the arena but came crashing down.
“His team mates looked horrified and banded together around him to shield him from the crowd. They were amazing.
“Then the paramedics arrived and a protective screen was put around. We were all praying and hoping he would make it but sadly he didn’t.
“Our hearts go out to his family and friends and team mates.I cannot imagine how they are feeling. We are feeling absolutely numb ourselves.
“It was a freak accident, totally tragic, and no one was to blame.”
Former teammates and friends have also paid tribute to Johnson as an “absolutely magical” player who was loved by those he shared the ice with.
Riley Tufte, who played with US-born Johnson in college, told The Athletic: “Just horrifying and tragic and so, so sad. I can’t tell you how loved this guy was and just how proud he was to play at UMD (University of Maryland).”
Minnesota Wild general manager Bill Guerin added: “He could skate. He could really skate. He was a beautiful skater.
“Just a good, nice kid. Like, so nice. He wasn’t the most talkative kid, but you knew he loved the sport.
“His teammates all loved him, and we wanted guys like Adam in our system.”
A Panthers club statement added: “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.
“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 have said an update will follow in due course regarding future fixtures.