The fiancée of the ice hockey star who sadly lost his life following a fatal moment in a game had to identify his body after he died.
As previously reported, Johnson, donning the number 47 jersey for the Nottingham Panthers, met with a devastating fate during a face-off against the Sheffield Steelers at the Utilita Arena.
The 29-year-old player sustained a severe neck injury during the game, which tragically proved to be fatal.
South Yorkshire Police, in their official statement to The Mirror, shed light on the sequence of events, stating: “We were called at 8:25PM on Saturday, October 28, to reports that a player had been seriously injured… Sadly, he was later pronounced deceased at the hospital.”
In their poignant tribute to Johnson, the Nottingham Panthers conveyed their profound grief, stating: “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.”
Adam Johnson sadly died following a collision during an ice hockey game. Credit: Joe Sargent / Getty
As reported by BBC News, the inquest proceedings are scheduled to officially commence at the Medico-Legal Centre in Sheffield on Friday, where authorities will delve into the specifics surrounding this devastating incident.
At the hearing, it was revealed that Adam’s devastated fiancée, Ryan Wolfe, had to identify his lifeless body following the tragic incident, as per the Daily Mail.
Senior Coroner Tanyka Rawden, who presided over the preliminary proceedings, said: “My initial investigation has led me to believe that on October 28, while playing ice hockey in a game between Sheffield Steelers and Nottingham Panthers, Mr. Johnson was seriously injured.
“He was taken by ambulance to Northern General Hospital in Sheffield, where he died later that day from his injuries. He was identified by his fiancée, Miss Ryan Wolfe.
“I am not in a position to fix the inquest at this time as my investigation into the death of this gentleman is not complete. I would like to take this opportunity to offer his family, friends, and all those who knew him my most sincere condolences at this difficult time.”
The Motorpoint Arena will open its doors at 5:30PM GMT on today (Saturday 4 November), providing an opportunity for supporters to come together and pay their respects. At 8:20PM GMT, a two-minute silence will be observed in memory of Johnson.
Adam Johnson was remembered before the game between the Pittsburgh Penguins and the Anaheim Ducks. Credit: Joe Sargent / Getty
In response to the tragedy, the club has initiated an official fundraising campaign, with the blessing of Johnson’s family. Additionally, a commemorative ice hockey puck, designed to honor the player’s memory, was unveiled on Wednesday.
The proceeds generated from the sale of these pucks and the accompanying fundraising endeavors will be directed towards charitable initiatives in Johnson’s hometown of Hibbing, Minnesota.
Our thoughts continue to be with Johnson’s loved ones during this difficult time.
