On October 28th, 2023, Adam Johnson, an American professional ice hockey player for Nottingham Panthers, tragically died. The incident occurred during a Saturday cup game against the Sheffield Steelers when opposing player Matt Petgrave’s skate blade slashed Johnson’s throat. Medical personnel responded immediately, but Johnson succumbed to his injury at the hospital.
“The skate cut right through Adam’s windpipe, and it cut his carotid artery. And, at one point, they had lost him in the ambulance and they brought him back. And, um, he didn’t make it through surgery once they got him to the hospital. They just couldn’t get the bleeding to stop. He lost way too much blood,” Kari Johnson, his aunt, shared on local outlet KSTP-TV. She was at the game with her brother.
The community, including NHL players, is mourning the loss of Adam Johnson. Many NHL players have honored him by wearing AJ 47 decals on their helmets. However, there is a split regarding Matt Petgrave’s involvement in the incident. Johnson’s teammate, Westin Michaud, has publicly defended Petgrave, stating that the collision was unintentional and that Petgrave deserves support rather than hate.
On the other hand, some individuals, including former NHL player Chris Therien, have accused Petgrave of intentionally kicking Johnson and even deeming it a kung fu kick.
The investigation into Johnson’s death by South Yorkshire Police, stated that their investigation remains ongoing and will probably take some time. Detectives are reviewing video footage, talking to witnesses, and seeking advice from experts to comprehend the circumstances of what happened. The police urged the public to refrain from speculations, particularly on social media platforms.
Similar instances like Johnson’s have occurred throughout hockey history. Teddy Balkind, a sophomore in high school in Connecticut, passed away following a mishap that caused a laceration to his neck last year. According to officials, as he fell on the ground, a nearby player failed to stop in time, causing the two to crash.
In response to these incidents, there has been a public outcry for increased player safety measures. The EIHA (English Ice Hockey Association) declared, “It is unacceptable for any player to lose their life while playing a sport. Our responsibility is not only to avert the recurrence of such a heart-breaking accident but also to pre-emptively address other foreseeable incidents in the future.” All neck protectors will be mandatory after December 31st.
At a memorial service held in Adam Johnson’s hometown of Hibbing, Minnesota; his friends, family, and coaches paid tribute to him. Mourners crowded into the Hibbing Memorial Arena where Johnson became well-known for his High school hockey performances. The memorial service on Monday came after a private ceremony on Sunday.
