The fiancée of a star hockey player who died when his throat was slashed as he played a game has paid tribute to her "sweet angel".<br /><br />Emotional Ryan Wolfe said she would miss Adam Johnson, 29, "forever" and "always" following his death on Saturday (Oct 28) in a ‘freak accident’.<br /><br />The Nottingham Panthers player, who previously starred in the NHL, suffered the fatal injury to his neck during a collision with Sheffield Steelers' Matt Petgrave.<br /><br />Shocking footage posted on social media showed the sportsman being helped up off the ice at Sheffield’s Utilita Arena following the clash with blood staining his shirt.<br /><br />He received emergency medical care and was then rushed to hospital but later died from his wounds.<br /><br />Releasing her emotional tribute to Adam on Instagram today (Mon), student Ryan said: “My sweet sweet Angel. I’ll miss you forever and love you always.”<br /><br />It’s believed the couple had become engaged over the summer and were living together in the UK before the terrible tragedy this weekend. <br /><br />Adam's Mum, Kari Johnson, also released her own tribute on Facebook following his death, writing: "I lost half of my heart today. Love you always Munch."<br /><br />Further tributes poured in following Adam’s passing, with his team releasing a statement saying they have been left ‘heartbroken’.<br /><br />The club said: “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.<br /><br />“Everyone at the club including players, staff, management, and ownership are heartbroken at the news of Adam’s passing.<br /><br />“Our thoughts are also with the fans and staff of both clubs, especially those who were attended or were following the game, who will be devastated following today’s news.<br /><br />“The Panthers would like to thank everyone who rushed to support Adam last night in the most testing of circumstances.<br /><br />“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.<br /><br />“The Club will dearly miss him and will never ever forget him.”<br /><br />Around 8,000 spectators witnessed the accident, before the game was stopped and screens erected to protect players’ privacy.<br /><br />Fans who attended the game have begun sharing their shellshocked tributes online.<br /><br />One fan posted to Facebook: “Last night, we were in the arena and witnessed the horrific accident on the ice.<br /><br />“When we were all finally told to leave, my legs were shaking and about to give. I was hyperventilating – everything was a blur.<br /><br />“My thoughts are with Adam Johnson, his family and the Nottingham Panthers.”<br /><br />Another spectator said, “I wouldn’t wish what we witnessed last night, and what Adam Johnson’s family, friends and colleagues must be going through right now, upon my worst enemy.<br /><br />“All of the Steelers and Panthers acted so quickly, most of all, our Steelers doctor, who was on that ice within a matter of seconds.<br /><br />“It was a tragic accident. Rest in paradise Adam Johnson, number 47.”<br /><br />A third said: “My 17-year-old has come home in bits, he said he can't un-see what he's seen tonight. <br /><br />"He's white as a sheet. My thoughts and prayers are with the teams involved.”<br /><br />South Yorkshire Police released a public statement after the incident saying they were carrying out inquiries.<br /><br />Their spokesperson said: “We were called at 8.25pm yesterday (28 October) to reports that a player had been seriously injured during a Sheffield Steelers versus Nottingham Panthers game at the Utilita Arena in Sheffield.<br /><br />“Officers attended the scene alongside other emergency services and one man, aged in his 20s, was taken to hospital with serious injuries. Sadly, he was later pronounced deceased at hospital.<br /><br />“Our officers remain at the scene carrying out enquiries today (29 October) and our investigation into the circumstances surrounding the incident remain ongoing.”<br /><br />The force has been asked for further comment.
