Police probe ice hockey death as fiancée pays tribute

Image source, Nottingham Panthers

Adam Johnson, 29, was pronounced dead in hospital

The fiancée of an ice hockey player who was fatally injured during a match has paid tribute to her "sweet angel" as police continue to investigate his death.

Nottingham Panthers' Adam Johnson's neck was cut by a skate during a game against the Sheffield Steelers on Saturday.

Johnson was taken to hospital where he was pronounced dead.

His fiancée, Ryan Wolfe, said: "I'll miss you forever and love you always."

South Yorkshire Police, which was called to the Utilita Arena in Sheffield, said it was "normal procedure" to open an investigation when an incident was reported.

A force spokesperson added: "Our officers remain at the scene carrying out inquiries.

"Our investigation into the circumstances surrounding the incident remain ongoing.

"We would encourage the public to avoid speculation regarding the incident while we continue our inquiries."

Coach addresses fans after ice hockey player's death

Sheffield City Council confirmed their health and safety team is assisting with the investigation.

Councillor Joe Otten said: "Firstly, our thoughts are with Adam's family, friends and teammates at this very sad and difficult time.

"Our health and safety team is helping South Yorkshire Police with their investigation and will assist wherever necessary."

Following Johnson's death, National Ice Hockey League team Oxford City Stars - which have former Chelsea goalkeeper Petr Cech on their roster - announced their players must wear neck guards at all times on the ice.

Image source, PA Media

Sheffield Wednesday's players and staff paid tribute to Adam Johnson ahead of their match at Hillsborough on Sunday

Tributes have been paid across the world to Johnson including from Nottingham, his home in Minnesota in the US, and a number of his former clubs including the Pittsburgh Penguins in North America's National Hockey League (NHL).

Kevin Moore, assistant coach with the Panthers, has spoken to fans outside Nottingham's Motorpoint Arena where they play their home games.

He said: "As time goes on, we're all going to heal but we're going to do it together.

"Our group is strong, and they're connected and we're going to do you guys proud."

Paramedics treated Johnson on the ice but were unable to save him

On Sunday, Johnson's teammates and fans left flowers outside the arena.

Meanwhile, in the US, Pittsburgh Penguins said in a statement they joined "the entire hockey world in mourning the loss of Adam Johnson, whose life tragically ended far too soon".

Johnson's former teams - University of Minnesota's Duluth Bulldogs, Ontario Reign, Minnesota Wild and Malmö Redhawks - also paid tribute.

Redhawks CEO Patrik Sylvegård said: "It was very tragic to hear about Adam's passing and our thoughts of course go out to Adam's family and close relatives at this difficult time."

Sheffield Hallam University said the death "shocked the community".

In a post on Facebook, it added: "We know there were students and staff at the game, and we're directly supporting everyone who makes contact, as well as making sure anyone who has been affected by the incident knows where they can get help."