Ex-NHL player Adam Johnson, 29, dead after suffering horrific neck injury in 'freak accident' during game

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Former NHL player Adam Johnson tragically died after a "freak accident" during a game in England on Saturday when he suffered a catastrophic cut to his neck, according to his club and reports. 

The horrifying incident took place during the second period of the Challenge Cup game between the Nottingham Panthers and the Sheffield Steelers at Sheffield’s Utilita Arena.

Adam Johnson of the Penguins skates against the Carolina Hurricanes at PPG Paints Arena on March 31, 2019, in Pittsburgh. (Joe Sargent/NHLI via Getty Images)

According to multiple reports, the 29-year-old Johnson was slashed by the skate of an opposing player during a collision on the ice. 

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"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 Panthers said in a statement Sunday morning.

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

Penguins left wing Adam Johnson during the Colorado Avalanche game on Oct. 16, 2019, at PPG Paints Arena in Pittsburgh. (Jeanine Leech/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images)

The statement continued, "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."