United Kingdom: Police investigate the death of Adam Johnson after the savage attack by Matt Petgrave during a hockey game

Nottingham Panthers forward Adam Johnson died after suffering a serious cut to the neck from Matt Petgrave's skate blade following a brutal collision during a British ice hockey Challenge Cup game on Saturday. Johnson's team reported the death on X (formerly Twitter).

"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," the team wrote on Sunday.

Videos were also posted on social media showing how the game against the Sheffield Steelers was stopped in the 35th minute when the 29-year-old American received a blow to the neck from the skate. After Johnson is hit by Petgrave, he begins to bleed visibly and tries to leave the rink. "Fans have been asked to leave the building due to a major medical emergency," the team detailed after the accident.

Adam Johnson received emergency treatment from paramedics on the ice.

The Elite Ice Hockey League (EIHL) announced that Sunday games across the United Kingdom have been postponed. It described the event as a "freak accident."

"The Elite Ice Hockey League is heartbroken to confirm that Nottingham Panthers forward Adam Johnson sadly passed away following a freak accident in Saturday's game between Sheffield Steelers and Nottingham Panthers," the league noted.

His teammates helped him and surrounded him immediately after the incident before returning to the locker room. He was later transferred to Sheffield North General Hospital.

‘A horrible night’

South Yorkshire Police confirmed in a statement that officers are trying to piece together exactly what happened in the incident. "Our officers remain at the scene carrying out inquiries today and our investigation into the circumstances surrounding the incident remain [sic.] ongoing," police said, per the Telegraph.

Match announcer David Simms described the situation as "a horrible night." Additionally, he noted that he will do everything possible to ensure that Matt Petgrave and his team are cared for as well.

"Just a horrible night at the arena, tragic, our thoughts go to Adam's family, friends and team mates, nothing can prepare you for something like this. To Steelers fans, we will do everything we can to ensure Matt Petgrave & the team are looked after in the best possible way." Simms highlighted on his X account.