Inquest to open into death of ice hockey player

Image source, Nottingham Panthers

Adam Johnson, 29, was pronounced dead in hospital

An inquest into the death of an ice hockey player whose neck was fatally cut is due to open on Friday.

Nottingham Panthers player Adam Johnson was pronounced dead in hospital after sustaining the injury from a skate worn by Sheffield Steelers player Matt Petgrave on Saturday evening.

An inquest into the 29-year-old's death will open at the Medico-Legal Centre in Sheffield.

The Nottingham Panthers have described his death as a "freak accident".

South Yorkshire Police said officers had been studying footage of the incident and said its investigation "is likely to take some time".

Fans have been invited by the Panthers to attend a memorial event at their home stadium on Saturday.

The Motorpoint Arena will be open from 17:30 GMT for a gathering to remember the player, the club said.

Image source, PA Media

Flowers, candles, and messages have been left outside Nottingham's Motorpoint Arena, where the Panthers play

The club launched an official fundraising page on Tuesday evening "with the permission of Adam's family".

Money raised will support charitable activities in Johnson's home city of Hibbing, Minnesota.