Tragedy as American ice hockey star Adam Johnson dies aged 29 ‘after his throat is slashed by skate in sickening crash during UK match’ – as his devastated mother says: ‘I lost half of my heart today’

An ice hockey player who allegedly received a knife in his throat during a match due to a horrific injury has died at the age of 29, his family said.

Adam Johnson’s injury was so horrific that the match had to be abandoned and left the traumatized fans in tears.

The American athlete is said to have received an ice hockey blade in his neck this evening in a freak accident during the match between Nottingham Panthers and Sheffield Steelers at the Utilita Arena Sheffield.

His mother Kari shared her heartbreak on social media this morning, telling friends: “I lost half my heart today.”

A witness told MailOnline that Mr Johnson tried to skate back to his team after the throat injury but collapsed before making it, prompting panic scenes as players and medics rushed out to help the stricken star.

About 8,000 fans watched the nightmare clash before the match was quickly stopped and screens were installed on the pitch to protect the players involved. The match has now been stopped.

Adam Johnson (pictured) suffered a horrific injury in a nightmare tackle that left spectators horrified

The incident took place at the Utilita Arena Sheffield (pictured) and is believed to have been witnessed by around 8,000 fans

Shocked fans have taken to social media to share their horror at the accident

The Yorkshire Ambulance Service said they were called at around 8.20pm before dispatching two ambulances and a critical care paramedic – taking one man to hospital.

Devastated onlookers who witnessed the accident were left in ‘tears’ and hugging each other, with one saying: ‘They will never get over’ what they saw. ‘It was terrible to see. People were crying and fainting,” another shocked witness added.

The freak accident appeared to have been caused by a Sheffield Steelers player when he tried to tackle another of Mr Johnson’s team-mates.

Footage shows Mr Johnson being struck in the neck by a skate before collapsing. Bleeding profusely, the hockey player managed to get up while teammates tried to help him.

Shocked fans were left traumatized by the incident, with many taking to social media to share their horror at the accident.

One person wrote on X, formerly known as Twitter: “A nightmare at the Panthers game tonight, praying for Adam Johnson.”

Another wrote on Facebook: ‘My 17 year old came home in pieces, he said he can’t see what he saw tonight. He’s as white as a sheet. My thoughts and prayers are with the teams involved.”

Someone else said: ‘My son and I were there watching the game intensely. We just keep hugging each other. There are a lot of people upset, so I know we’re not the only ones.”

Another wrote on X: ‘That was hands down the worst thing I’ve ever seen happen, I’m so sorry. We are all sick to death with worry and praying for a miracle.’

A fifth added: ‘I really hope he’s doing well and news of his recovery will be posted soon. Thoughts and prayers for him and his family at this very anxious time.”

Adam Johnson (photo) is said to have taken an ice hockey blade to the neck during the match between Nottingham Panthers and Sheffield Steelers

The freak accident appeared to have been caused by a Sheffield Steelers player when he attempted to tackle another of Mr Johnson’s team-mates

A witness told MailOnline that Mr Johnson tried to skate back to his team after the throat injury but collapsed before he made it

Fans were asked to leave the building due to a ‘major medical emergency’

A spokesman for the Yorkshire Ambulance Service told MailOnline: ‘We were called at 8.21pm this evening for the Sheffield Steelers match at the Sheffield Arena. We visited a man and sent two ambulances and a paramedic to intensive care, and sent one patient to hospital.”

Nottingham Panthers posted on X: ‘Players return to changing rooms.’

The account then provided an update: “Fans have been asked to leave the building due to a major medical emergency.”

Nottingham Motorpoint Arena, home of the Panther, later posted on evening.’

MailOnline has contacted the Nottingham Panthers and South Yorkshire Police for comment.

The American Mr Johnson previously played for the Pittsburgh Penguins.