Adam Johnson’s partner Ryan Wolfe shares heartbreaking tribute as police investigate hockey player’s death

American hockey player Adam Johnson’s partner has paid a heartbreaking tribute following his death in a horrific mid-match accident.

The Nottingham Panthers forward died in hospital after his neck was slashed by an opposition player’s skate on Saturday in England.

WARNING DISTRESSING CONTENT: Match halted after harrowing incident involving Adam Johnson.

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Tributes poured in from around the world as the hockey community mourned Johnson, who previously played in the NHL, Sweden and Germany.

The 29-year-old had only just joined the Elite Ice Hockey League and was followed to Nottingham for the season by his partner Ryan Wolfe.

“My sweet, sweet angel,” she wrote on social media.

“I’ll miss you forever and love you always.”

It is unclear if Wolfe was in the crowd when the incident occurred, with more than 8000 fans in attendance and asked to leave during the medical emergency.

Local police continued their investigations at the arena in Sheffield on Sunday and reiterated it is ‘normal procedure’ following a reported incident.

“Our officers remain at the scene carrying out enquiries and our investigation into the circumstances surrounding the incident remain ongoing,” South Yorkshire Police said.

“We would encourage the public to avoid speculation regarding the incident while we continue our enquiries.”

The English Ice Hockey Association, which governs the sport at the levels below the elite league, has already announced neck guards will be mandatory from 2024.

Neck guards are only ‘strongly recommended’ for the rest of 2023 due to supply issues.

“It is unacceptable for any player to lose their life while playing sport,” the EIHA said.

“Our responsibility is not only to avert the recurrence of such a heart-breaking accident, but also to pre-emptively address other foreseeable incidents in the future.

“We bear both a legal and a moral obligation to respond in a measured and pragmatic way.

“There is a distinct likelihood that comprehensive evaluations will transpire at the international level, and the EIHA is committed to taking an active and constructive role in this comprehensive process.”

Johnson graduated to the NHL with the Pittsburgh Penguins in 2018-19 after a season with their affiliate team in the second tier.

He played 13 games at the top level before embarking on a career overseas during and after COVID with the Malmo Redhawks, Augsburger Panther and Nottingham Panthers.

“The Pittsburgh Penguins join the entire hockey world in mourning the life of Adam Johnson, whose life tragically ended far too soon,” the Penguins said in a statement.

“Adam will always be part of the Penguins family.”

Johnson’s former German club Augsburger Panther announced a minute’s silence will take place before their next game on Tuesday local time.

“Our thoughts are with Adam Johnson’s girlfriend, his family and teammates, and all the hockey fans and officials who had to watch the horrific accident inside the arena,” Augsburger said.

“We wish them strength in coping with the shock and immeasurable grief of a young life.”