The sporting world was left in shock on Saturday (28 October) when ice hockey player Adam Johnson tragically died following a 'freak accident' during a game.
It has now been revealed that the star's fiancée had to ID his body following the horrifying incident.
Johnson's team, the Nottingham Panthers, were playing against the Sheffield Steelers in a Challenge Cup game in front of 8,000 fans, when the 29-year-old collided with an opponent on the ice and the other player's blade accidentally cut Johnson across the neck.
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The game was quickly abandoned as medical professionals tried their best to save his life, before the ice hockey star was rushed to Sheffield's Northern General Hospital.
Unfortunately, Johnson's injuries were too severe and he later passed away.
Before his tragic death, the Minnesota-born ice hockey star — who'd previously played in the NHL for the Pittsburgh Penguins before moving to the UK to join the Elite Ice Hockey League — was in a long-term relationship with partner Kyle Wolfe.
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The couple are understood to have become engaged over the summer and lived in England together.
As an inquest was opened into Johnson's death, a brief court hearing held earlier today (Friday, 3 November), heard that a heartbroken Wolfe identified her fiancé's body after he died.
Senior Coroner Tanyka Rawden, who adjourned proceedings until January, 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.
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"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 fiancee, 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 ice hockey world has come together following Johnson's death to pay tribute to the talented player.
His team released a statement reading: "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.
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"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."
It concluded: "Everyone at the club including players, staff, management, and ownership are heartbroken at the news of Adam's passing."
Ryan also shared a post on Instagram in memory of her late fiancé, writing: "My sweet, sweet angel. I'll miss you forever and love you always."
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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
Topics: Sex and Relationships, Sport, UK News, News
Bec Oakes