Image credit: The AHL
South Yorkshire Police have released a statement urging the public to ‘avoid speculation’ following the tragic death of a Nottingham Panthers player.
Adam Johnson, former NHL player, died following a fatal gash to the neck at a Sheffield Steelers game on Saturday.
8,000 fans were evacuated from the Utilita arena after witnessing the desperate attempts to save the 29-year-old’s life.
A spokesperson for South Yorkshire Police said: “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.
“Our officers remain at the scene carrying out enquiries and our investigation into the circumstances surrounding the incident remain ongoing.
“We would encourage the public to avoid speculation regarding the incident while we continue our enquiries.”
Sheffield City Council have announced that their health and safety team are assisting South Yorkshire Police with their investigation.
Both Sheffield Steelers and Nottingham Panthers took to social media to encourage witnesses who may have been affected by what they saw to reach out to a range of mental health support services, such as YoungMinds and Samaritans.
The Elite Ice Hockey League also released a statement in collaboration with the Sheffield Steelers, outlining that in light of the devastating news, all EIHL games scheduled to take place on Sunday 29 October 2023 would be postponed.
More information is set to follow on fixtures for this week’s matches.
Tributes are being held across Sheffield, as Steelers fans and members of the Ice Hockey community have gathered to lay flowers outside the Utilita arena, where the freak accident took place.
Sheffield Wednesday also held a minute’s silence at their championship game against Rotherham United FC yesterday.
Enquiries into this incident are still ongoing.
