Police in the UK are investigating the death of Adam Johnson, the previous NHL player who died in what was described as a “freak accident” on Saturday.
Johnson, a player on the Nottingham Panthers within the Elite Ice Hockey League, died after a collision with Matt Petgrave of the Sheffield Steelers through which Petgrave’s skate slashed Johnson’s throat on Saturday.
He was 29.
On Monday, South Yorkshire Police issued a press release in regards to the investigation.
“Our officers remain on the scene carrying out inquiries and our investigation into the circumstances surrounding the incident remain ongoing,” the statement said.
“We might encourage the general public to avoid speculation regarding the incident while we proceed our inquiries.”
After the collision, Johnson attempted to skate back to his team’s bench, but officials and teammates stopped him and called for help.
The BBC reported that Johnson’s teammates formed “a hoop” around him while he received medical treatment.
Johnson’s girlfriend, Ryan Wolfe, remembered him on her Instagram stories.
“My sweet sweet angel. I’ll miss you without end and love you mostly,” Wolfe captioned a photograph of Johnson.
Johnson, who was 29, appeared in 13 total games for the Penguins throughout the 2018-19 and 2019-20 seasons.
“The Pittsburgh Penguins join the whole hockey world in mourning the lack of Adam Johnson, whose life tragically ended far too soon,” the Penguins said in a press release. “Adam will at all times be a component of the Penguins family. It was our honor to look at him fulfill his dream of playing within the National Hockey League.”
The Nottingham Panthers mourned his death in a press release on Sunday.
“Adam, our number 47, was not only an excellent ice hockey player, but in addition an excellent teammate and an incredible person together with his whole life ahead of him,” the team. “The Club will dearly miss him and can always remember him.”
