Girlfriend’s heartbreaking tribute to star killed in horror ice hockey clash

'My sweet, sweet angel'

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”.

One witness at the game even revealed that Johnson's fiancé ran onto the pitch and began to pray for him.

In her first post since the news of Johnson's death the Panthers' star's fiancé, Ryan Wolfe shared an emotional tribute on Instagram.

She wrote: "My sweet, sweet angel. I'll miss you forever and love you always."

Wolfe and Johnson had become engaged in the summer and were planning to get married together, Riley Tufte a former teammate of the 29-year-old told The Athletic.

Panthers fan Hazel, who was at the game herself and witnessed the tragedy, told The Sun: "His teammates 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 teammates."

Related links:

• Spectator who witnessed ‘freak’ ice hockey accident where player died speaks out
• Pro ice hockey player dies after neck slashed by skate in Sheffield
• Francis Ngannou completely blanks Eminem at event before Tyson Fury fight