Girlfriend of ice hockey star ran onto ice after he died being slashed in the neck during game

People all over the globe have been left in utter shock after a professional ice hockey player died following a 'freak accident' during a game.

Over the weekend (28 October), Nottingham Panthers star, Adam Johnson, tragically died being slashed in the neck whilst playing in a match against the Sheffield Steelers at the Utilita Arena.

Sporting fans all over and those close to Johnson are grieving the untimely loss of the 29-year-old - one of which being his girlfriend, Ryan Wolfe, who ran onto the ice after the horrific injury to pray for him.

The American hockey player was slashed in the neck during the derby clash, while more than 8,000 fans were watching from the sidelines, by rival player Matt Petgrave's skate.

The game was promptly paused in the 35th minute as medics rushed in to tend to Johnson behind the privacy of screens on the ice.

Spectators were asked to leave the stadium in Sheffield following the 'major medical emergency', with Johnson being rushed to Sheffield's Northern General Hospital where he sadly succumbed to his injuries.

His team said in a statement: "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. The club will dearly miss him and will never ever forget him.

"The Panthers would like to send our thoughts and condolences to Adam's family, his partner, and all his friends at this extremely difficult time.

oe Sargent/NHLI via Getty Images

"Everyone at the club including players, staff, management, and ownership are heartbroken at the news of Adam's passing."

In a post shared on X, formerly Twitter, the Panther's home ground, Nottingham Motorpoint Arena, paid tribute to Johnson.

It read: "Our heartfelt thoughts go out to Adam Johnson, his loved ones, all the Panthers players, staff, fans and the whole ice hockey community, following his horrific injury this evening."

Johnson's partner has since shared a heartfelt post on Instagram in memory of the late ice hockey star.

Wolfe, who hails from Minnesota just like her late boyfriend, reposted a photo of Johnson uploaded by the Augsburger Panther page with the overlay text that read: "My sweet, sweet angel. I'll miss you forever and love you always."

It has been reported that the young couple became engaged over the summer and lived in England together.

Johnson's heartbroken mother, Kari, has also issued a tribute to her late son writing on Facebook: "I lost half of my heart tonight."

If you have experienced a bereavement and would like to speak with someone in confidence, contact Cruse Bereavement Care via their national helpline on 0808 808 1677