Spectator who witnessed ‘freak’ ice hockey accident where player died speaks out

'It was like a bad dream'

Johnson, 29, was playing for the Nottingham Panthers in their game against Sheffield Steelers at the Utilita Arena on Saturday night where he was accidentally slashed in the neck by one of his opponents.

Around 8,000 spectators were present at the game and they were all told to leave the stadium following the "major medical emergency".

Witnesses also said that they saw the Panthers player's girlfriend run onto the ice and begin to pray for him.

Nottingham Panthers released a statement saying: "Adam, our number 47, was not only an outstanding ice hockey player, but also a great teammate and an incredible person with his whole life ahead of him.

"The club will dearly miss him and will never ever forget him.

"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."

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. pic.twitter.com/lhSOkDu03Q

— The Nottingham Panthers (@PanthersIHC) October 29, 2023

Further reports have revealed that the 29-year-old suffered an accidental gash to his throat and one fan in attendance, named Hazel, said she can't get the image "out of her head".

She told The Sun: "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."

Hazel then continued: "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."

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