Former NHL player Adam Johnson dies after 'freak accident' during game

Former National Hockey League player Adam Johnson, who appeared in 13 Pittsburgh Penguins games, died following a "freak accident" during a game in the United Kingdom, his club said.

Johnson, a 29-year-old Minnesota native, was playing for the Nottingham Panthers against the Sheffield Steelers when his neck was slashed during the second period of the game in Sheffield, England, officials said.  

Footage from the game shows Johnson being hit in the neck by a Sheffield Steelers player's skate before collapsing, The Daily Mail reported. 

The game was stopped due to the injury and fans were asked to evacuate the building.

"The Nottingham Panthers are truly devastated to announce that Adam Johnson has tragically passed away following a freak accident at the game in Sheffield last night," his club said Sunday morning. 

The club postponed its upcoming home game on Oct. 31 as well as all other Elite League games and asked for "understanding and patience regarding this news."

The Pittsburgh Penguins, where Johnson played during the 2018-19 and 2019-20 seasons, gave their condolences.

"The Pittsburgh Penguins join the entire hockey world in mourning the loss of Adam Johnson, whose life tragically ended far too soon," the team wrote on X, formerly Twitter. "We offer our deepest condolences to Adam’s family and friends, as well as all of Adam’s past and present teammates and coaches."

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