Tragic update in case of ice hockey player whose neck was fatally slashed during game

There's been a heartbreaking update in the case of an ice hockey player whose neck was fatally slashed during a game.

Adam Johnson, 29, was playing for the Nottingham Panthers against the Sheffield Steelers in October 2023 when he suffered a horrific neck injury after being struck by the skate of opposing player Matt Petgrave during an Elite Ice Hockey League fixture at Sheffield Arena.

The American player was rushed to the hospital but later died from his injuries.

Adam Johnson died after a collision during an Elite League fixture in October 2023. Credit: Joe Sargent/NHLI/Getty

Coroner raises questions over emergency response

At a pre-inquest review hearing last month, Sheffield's senior coroner, Tanyka Rawden, revealed concerns about the circumstances facing emergency responders when they arrived at the arena.

Rawden said evidence from Yorkshire Ambulance Service paramedics described a "chaotic scene at the arena" following the incident, BBC News reported.

She told the hearing she had "a lot of questions about how Yorkshire Ambulance Service accessed the ice".

According to evidence from one paramedic, emergency crews were forced to climb over barriers because "nobody could show them on to the ice".

Rawden also said she had concerns about the availability of blood for paramedics treating Johnson.

The coroner's investigation will examine the cause of the injury, medical provisions available at the arena, and the "timeliness and appropriateness" of the care the late player received after being injured.

Addressing Johnson's family during the hearing, Rawden said: "I'm sorry that we are meeting in these circumstances."

"I cannot imagine what life has been like for all of you since Adam died. It must have been horrific for all of you," she added.

Johnson's mother, Sue Johnson, and his fiancée, Ryan Wolfe, joined the hearing remotely from the United States.

Johnson died in October 2023. Credit: Joe Sargent/NHLI/Getty

Investigation delayed as inquest continues

The hearing was told that the inquest is not expected to take place this year and could last between four and six weeks once it begins.

Rawden explained that her investigation had been paused while police completed their inquiries into the incident.

Last year, the Crown Prosecution Service decided not to bring criminal charges against Petgrave.

Petgrave's barrister, Michael Hayton KC, told the hearing that his client is currently living in Canada.

The coroner said she is considering calling Petgrave and nine other players who took part in the match to give evidence, although she noted that none of them are currently in the UK.

She will also decide at a later date whether the inquest should be moved from Sheffield and whether jurors should visit the arena.

Death led to safety concerns across the sport

Following Johnson's death, Rawden issued a report on the prevention of future deaths to Ice Hockey UK and the English Ice Hockey Association regarding the use of neck protection.

In the report, she said she was "sufficiently concerned that deaths may occur in the future if neck guards or protectors are not worn".

The organizations were given 56 days to outline what action had been taken or explain why no action had been implemented.

Neck guards subsequently became mandatory in the Elite League from January 1, 2024.

A further pre-inquest review has been provisionally scheduled for October 29.

Neck guards became mandatory in the Elite League after Johnson's death. Credit: Joe Sargent/NHLI/Getty

The hockey world was left devastated by Johnson's death

Before joining Nottingham for the 2023-24 season, Johnson had played in the NHL for the Pittsburgh Penguins and also spent time in Sweden with the Malmo Redhawks and in Germany with the Augsburger Panthers.

In a tribute following his death, the Nottingham Panthers described Johnson as far more than just a talented player.

"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," they said.

Johnson's fiancée, Ryan Wolfe, also posted a heartbreaking statement, which read: "My sweet, sweet angel. I'll miss you forever and love you always."

His mother, Kari Johnson, also expressed her grief: "I lost half of my heart today. Love you always, Munch."

As mourners gathered outside Nottingham's Motorpoint Arena after the fatal incident, Panthers assistant coach Kevin Moore spoke of the club's determination to support one another through the tragedy.

"As time goes on we are going to heal, we are going to do that together... we thank you for all your support," he said.

Featured image credit: Joe Sargent/NHLI/Getty