Mum and fiancée pay tribute after ice hockey star died being slashed in the neck during game

Tributes have poured in following a tragic 'freak' sporting accident that took place over the weekend.

On Saturday (28 October), professional ice hockey player Adam Johnson died after being accidentally slashed in the neck by rival player Matt Petgrave's skate while playing in a match against the Sheffield Steelers at Sheffield's Utilita Arena.

Tributes from all over have since flooded in for the late 29-year-old Nottingham Panthers star, including from his heartbroken mum and devastated fiancée.

The fatal injury took place during the derby clash in Sheffield as over 8,000 fans watched from the sidelines, leading the game to be paused in the 35th minute while medics rushed in to tend to Johnson behind the privacy of screens on the ice.

Johnson tried to skate to the sidelines for help after being slashed in the neck, but quickly collapsed soon after and was promptly rushed to the city's Northern General Hospital where he sadly succumbed to his injuries and died.

The star player's fiancée Ryan Wolfe who reportedly ran onto the ice after the horrific injury to pray for him, reposted a photo of Johnson this morning (30 October) which was originally uploaded by the Augsburger Panther's page.

Instagram/@ryanwolfe17

Wolfe, who hails from Minnesota just like her late boyfriend, accompanied the photo with the overlay text that read: "My sweet, sweet angel. I'll miss you forever and love you always."

It has been reported that the young couple became engaged over the summer and lived in England together.

Johnson's grieving mother, Kari, has also issued a tribute to her late son writing on Facebook which reads: "I lost half of my heart tonight.

"Love you always Munch."

Johnson's team have also issued a tribute to the player, saying in a statement: "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.

Facebook/Kari Johnson

"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."

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