Adam Johnson, a former NHL player, died after another player accidentally cut his neck in a fatal collision during a hockey game on Saturday in Sheffield, England.

The fatal collision happened halfway through the second period of an Elite Ice Hockey League game between Johnson's Nottingham Panthers and the Sheffield Steelers.

Johnson Died in a Fatal Collision

Johnson died after an opposing player was seen in video footage unintentionally cutting his neck with a skate. The officials emptied the arena after the incident and rescued Johnson for medical treatment.

According to NPR, the South Yorkshire Police reported that Johnson was taken to a local hospital and later pronounced dead. The police opened an investigation into Johnson's death and advised the public to avoid speculations regarding the incident.

The Nottingham Panthers released a statement about the passing of their fellow player. The team said, "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 University of Minnesota was also devastated about the passing of Johnson as their former assistant captain of the hockey team. The university shared that Johnson was loved and admired by his teammates, coaches, and staff as he was not just a good player but an even better person outside the arena.

EIHL, the National Hockey League, and other NHL teams commemorated Johnson. The league also postponed the games that were scheduled for Sunday.

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Johnson's Success as a Hockey Player

According to KCRW, he ranked second on the team in goals, points, and shots in the 2016-2017 season as the former assistant captain at the University of Minnesota Duluth.

Between 2018 and 2020, he left the university early to be a professional player and played for the Pittsburgh Penguins in 13 games.

Johnson also assisted a team in winning an NCAA West Regional and a National Collegiate Hockey Conference Frozen Faceoff championship. Furthermore, he was chosen as a player to the NCHC All-Academic Team twice.

Penguins coach Mike Sullivan said that it was a privilege to be Johnson's coach as he was a great kid and a great player. He remembered his first game and win that made him proud, and he recognized Johnson as someone who could skate.

Former Penguins teammate Sidney Crosby witnessed Johnson's first goal and said that seeing Johnson score in his home state was pretty cool.

According to a post of Pittsburgh Penguins on X, formerly known as Twitter, Penguins player Pierre-Olivier Joseph said Johnson was among the most joyful people he has encountered. He shared that he also played tennis with Johnson and said that he was a great player.

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