Adam Johnson Dead At Age 29

American ice hockey player, Adam Johnson, has died following a "freak accident" during a game. He was 29 years old. 

It was reported he was playing in the Panthers' Challenge Cup match when he "appeared to suffer a serious neck injury" following a collision with a player from the opposing team."

"Everyone at the club including players, staff, management, and ownership are heartbroken at the news of Adam's passing. Our thoughts are also with the fans and staff of both clubs, especially those who attended or were following the game, who will be devastated following today's news. The Panthers would like to thank everyone who rushed to support Adam last night in the most testing of circumstances."

"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."

The Elite Ice Hockey League also honoured him after his tragic death.

"The thoughts of everyone connected with the EIHL are with Adam's family, friends and team mates at this incredibly sad and difficult time. We would also ask everyone to respect the privacy of Adam's family at this time."

All EIHL games were postponed in light of his passing.

Prior to playing for the Panthers, Adam was a member of the National Hockey League's Pittsburgh Penguins from 2018 to 2020.

"The Pittsburgh Penguins join the entire hockey world in mourning the loss of Adam Johnson, whose life was tragically ended far too soon. Adam will always be a part of the Penguins family. It was our honor to watch him fulfill his dream of playing in the National Hockey League."

He had also played for the Malmö Redhawks, the Ontario Reign, the Lehigh Valley Phantoms and the Augsburger Panthers.