Police Investigating Freak Hockey Accident That Killed Former NHL Player Adam Johnson on Live TV

Ahmad Austin Jr.Oct 30th, 2023, 4:14 pm
 
Hockey player Adam Johnson

Paul Vernon/AP

Police are investigating the death of American hockey player Adam Johnson after an opposing player’s skate slashed his throat during a game.

Johnson made his NHL debut with the Pittsburgh Penguins in 2019, playing 13 games with the team and scoring one goal. He began playing in Europe in 2022 with the Augsburger Panther of the Deutsche Eishockey Liga, Germany’s top-tier ice hockey league. He was playing for the Nottingham Panthers of the Elite Ice Hockey League at the time of his death.

On Saturday, the Panthers played the Sheffield Steelers. As a result of a collision with one of Johnson’s teammates, Steelers player Matt Petgrave raised his left leg — causing the blade of his skate to slash Johnson’s throat.

In the full video, which has been shared all over the internet, Johnson can be seen dropping to the ground after the hit. A referee immediately motioned a trainer over after seeing the pool of blood under Johnson. The 29-year-old then skated off with help from his teammate. In just a few seconds, his jersey was covered in blood.

The team confirmed on social media that he was taken to the hospital before succumbing to the injury.

“Adam, our number 47, was not only an outstanding hockey player,” the team said, “but also a great teammate and an incredible person with his whole life ahead of him. The Club will dearly miss him and we will never forget him.”

The incident has cause some to accuse Petgrave of slashing Johnson’s throat intentionally. Some believe he had no reason to raise his leg the way he did, and his reputation as a dirty player hasn’t helped.

South Yorkshire Police urged the public to refrain from drawing such conclusions.

“Our officers remain at the scene carrying out enquiries and our investigation into the circumstances surrounding the incident remain ongoing,” police said in a statement. “We would encourage the public to avoid speculation regarding the incident while we continue our enquiries.”

Members of the NHL have also expressed their support for Johnson’s family during the difficult time. Penguins center Sidney Crosby remembers him for his positive attitude.

“Our thoughts and prayers are with his family and loved ones,” Crosby said Monday. “Just a great guy, a great teammate, had an awesome attitude while he was here. Just genuinely happy to be playing in the NHL.”

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