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Police are investigating the horrific death of an ice hockey player whose throat was slashed by an opponent\u2019s stray boot blade during a game in Sheffield.<\/p>\n
Adam Johnson, of Nottingham Panthers, was struck in the neck by Sheffield Steelers\u2019 Matt Petgrave, who appeared to lose his footing after tripping in a prior collision.<\/p>\n
As thousands of traumatised spectators looked on, teammates formed a ring around Johnson on the ice in the immediate aftermath before protective screens were raised. Johnson had come into contact with Petgrave\u2019s raised left leg in a coming together near the centre line.<\/p>\n
Seasoned observers say the kick was unintentional and a host of figures in the game sent messages of support to Petgrave.<\/p>\n
However, South Yorkshire Police confirmed in a statement on Sunday that officers are trying to piece together exactly what happened in an incident described as \u201cfreak\u201d by Johnson\u2019s club.<\/p>\n
\u201cOur officers remain at the scene carrying out inquiries today and our investigation into the circumstances surrounding the incident remain ongoing,\u201d the force said.<\/p>\n
Spectators at the Utilita Arena had been left in tears as Johnson was seen with blood pouring down his jersey before skating away and subsequently collapsing. On Sunday, Johnson\u2019s mother Kari announced on Facebook that she had lost \u201chalf of my heart\u201d as it was confirmed the American had died, aged 29.<\/p>\n
<\/p>\n
Adam Johnson in action for the Pittsburgh Penguins in 2017.<\/span>Credit: <\/span>AP<\/cite><\/p>\n His club added in a statement it was \u201ctruly devastated to announce that Adam Johnson has tragically passed away following a freak accident at the game in Sheffield\u201d.<\/p>\n The game was stopped in the 35th minute as Johnson initially received emergency treatment.<\/p>\n David Simms, the match announcer, posted on X: \u201cJust a horrible night at the arena, tragic. Our thoughts go to Adam\u2019s family, friends and teammates. Nothing can prepare you for something like this. To Steelers fans, we will do everything we can to ensure Matt Petgrave and the team are looked after in the best possible way.\u201d<\/p>\n He added: \u201cSeeing the players, staff and medical staff from both clubs last night all working together as one was something I will never forget, the effort they all made was outstanding.\u201d<\/p>\n Yorkshire Ambulance Service said it was called about 8.20pm before sending two ambulances and a critical care paramedic. Johnson was later taken to Sheffield\u2019s Northern General Hospital.<\/p>\n Police added later: \u201cWe were called at 8.25pm yesterday to reports that a player had been seriously injured during a Sheffield Steelers versus Nottingham Panthers game at the Utilita Arena in Sheffield. Officers attended the scene alongside other emergency services and one man, aged in his 20s, was taken to hospital with serious injuries. Sadly, he was later pronounced deceased at hospital.\u201d<\/p>\n