Adam Johnson is buried in Minnesota hometown as fallen hockey player’s fiancée says ‘we miss you so much’ after his bizarre death

Adam Johnson was buried Sunday in Hibbing, Minnesota after a tragic on-ice collision that left him dead at the age of 29.

The Nottingham Panthers hockey player died last month during an Elite Ice Hockey League match in England after his throat was slit by opponent Matt Petgrave’s skating blade.

After a private ceremony this weekend, Johnson will be remembered Monday afternoon with a “celebration of life” at the Memorial Building Arena in Hibbing.

In a post on social media, Johnson’s fiancée Ryan Wolfe said “we miss you so much,” as his family was quick to remember him. heartfelt obituary.

“He enjoyed yard work, fishing, golfing with friends, playing in the Iron Ice hockey tournament, projects around the house, reading, following the stock market and listening to his favorite music,” the obituary reads.

‘Adam especially enjoyed his quiet coffee time with his fiancée Ryan, dreaming about their future and spending mornings together. Adam liked to live a slower life and enjoyed the small, everyday things.

Adam Johnson, 29, was killed after his throat was slit by an opponent’s knife

Johnson’s throat was slit by the knife of Sheffield Steelers’ Matt Petgrave

“He was many things to many people, but for those fortunate enough to be loved by Adam, he knew him to be thoughtful, patient and truly authentic,” it later reads. “He loved his fiancée, family and friends above all else. His loving and calm demeanor will be forever missed.”

The obituary also described his relationship with his younger brother, Ryan.

“Ryan and Adam had an unbreakable bond. A true definition of what siblings were meant to be. Ryan always supported his little brother’s ideas, no matter how far-fetched they were. Adam knew that if there was anything in life he ever needed, Ryan would always be there.”

Critics have accused Petgrave – of the Sheffield Steelers – of recklessly causing the fatal accident by extending his leg when he made contact with Johnson.

Johnson’s death on October 28 remains under investigation by South Yorkshire Police.

Petgrave, a 31-year-old Canadian, has not publicly discussed the tragedy.

“I think the actions were unnecessary,” Johnson’s aunt, Kari Johnson, told the South West News Service. ‘It was just unnecessary. No one touched him. I’ve watched that video hundreds of times.

Last week, a video from more than a dozen years ago surfaced in which Petgrave appeared to perform a similar illegal action to the one that resulted in Johnson’s death.

Nottingham Panthers fans started a memorial service for Johnson following his tragic death

In a clip shared by

The incident appears to have taken place during Petgrave’s first season in the Ontario Hockey League, when he played for the Niagara IceDogs.

The English Ice Hockey Association, which governs the sport under the Elite League, responded to Johnson’s death by requiring all players in England to wear neck protectors from early 2024.

Neck protectors are mandatory from January 1 for all activities on the ice. The EIHA issued ‘strong advice’ on Monday that all players should start wearing a neck protector with immediate effect.

It said neck protectors would not be immediately mandatory due to expected supply issues.