Adam Johnson, an ice hockey player for the Nottingham Panthers, tragically passed away after his neck was fatally cut by a skate during a match against the Sheffield Steelers on October 28th. On Saturday, fans and mourners came together at the Motorpoint Arena in Nottingham to pay tribute to Johnson. “At first I don’t think they realised the seriousness of what had happened,” said Michelle Hallam, a fan who was present at the match, speaking to BBC Radio Nottingham. The incident was described by the Panthers as a “freak accident”.
Panthers players and staff spent the afternoon of Saturday the 6th of November reflecting on their memories of Johnson while signing books of condolence. Fans were then invited onto the carpeted ice to sign the books, followed by a two-minute silence at approximately 20:20. Local mental health charities were present in the foyer of the arena “for those that want to have a conversation”. A number of floral tributes have been left outside the arena, which has become a gathering place for mourners.
An official fundraising page, launched by the club “with the permission of Adam’s family”, has raised over £45,000. The fund will support local charitable activities in Johnson’s home town of Hibbing, Minnesota. Johnson’s aunt, Kari Johnson, said that he was planning to propose to his partner, Ryan Wolfe in an interview with KSTP-TV, a local news station based in Minnesota.
South Yorkshire Police have launched an investigation into the incident, which they say “is likely to take some time”. Sheffield Steelers fan Ronnie Woolley, who was at the match, said it had been a “really hard week”. “Everybody’s coming together because ice hockey fans are like one big family,” he added. An inquest into Johnson’s death has opened and been adjourned, where he was formally identified by Ms Wolfe.
The incident has had a massive impact on fans of the sport globally, with an outpouring of tributes on social media. Ice hockey teams from around the world have offered condolences to Johnson’s family and the Nottingham Panthers
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