The long-time girlfriend of the late ice hockey star has made a harrowing discovery after his tragic death.
Adam Johnson tragically passed away at the age of 29 following a Challenge Cup match between the Nottingham Panthers and Sheffield Steelers on October 28.
During the ice hockey game, a Steelers player's skate blade came into contact with Johnson's neck, leaving him with a fatal cut. He was transported to a nearby hospital after the devastating neck injury, but sadly the sportsman was pronounced dead the following day.
After the shocking news of his passing was shared online, the Panthers athlete's team posted an emotional tribute, that read: "The club will dearly miss him and will never ever forget him. 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."
On Tuesday (November 14), UK authorities confirmed that a man was arrested over the ice hockey star's death.
Detective Chief Superintendent Rebecca Horsfall revealed in a statement to the press (via The Mirror): "We have been carrying out extensive inquiries to piece together the events which led to the loss of Adam in these unprecedented circumstances."
"We have been speaking to highly specialized experts in their field to assist in our inquiries and continue to work closely with the health and safety department at Sheffield City Council, which is supporting our ongoing investigation."
"Adam's death has sent shockwaves through many communities, from our local residents here in Sheffield to ice hockey fans across the world," she added.
The individual, who UK authorities have not named, was released on bail the following day, as reported by the BBC.
Following the 47 jersey's untimely death, new details have now come to light about the future the former NHL player envisioned with his longtime girlfriend, Ryan Wolfe - who ran onto the ice after the horrific accident.
According to USA Today, Johnson had bought his partner of three years an engagement ring before the couple flew to England for the 2023-24 hockey season. He planned to propose to the 24-year-old, two close friends of Johnson's family told the publication.
They revealed that Wolfe found the ring in the apartment she shared with the late athlete in England. "His grandmother told me that he had shown her (Johnson's grandmother) the ring before he left and he was going to propose at some point," Scott Pionk, whose son played college hockey with Johnson, told the outlet.
Johnson was recently laid to rest in his hometown of Hibbing, Minnesota. During the ceremony, his girlfriend delivered a heartbreaking eulogy to the "love of [her] life".
"To me, you were everything. You were my home, my best friend, my sounding board, my rock, my safe haven, and the love of my life. I’m never going to stop thinking about you, missing you, and loving you until we can be together again. I love you," Wolfe said, per The New York Post.
His family also published an emotional obituary, and a section of it reads: "Adam loved the outdoors and the simple things in life. He enjoyed yard work, fishing, golfing with buddies, playing in the Iron Ice hockey tournament, projects around the house, reading, following the stock market, and listening to his favorite music."
"Adam especially enjoyed his quiet coffee time with his fiancée Ryan, dreaming about their future, and taking in the mornings together. Adam loved to live a slower life and took pleasure in the small, everyday things," they added.
Our hearts continue to go out to everyone affected by this tragedy.
