American ice hockey star Adam Johnson has died after his “throat was cut by a skate blade” during a game on Saturday night

The Nottingham Panthers player was involved in a serious accident while playing against the Sheffield Steelers.

The incident took place during the second period of the contest, and all 8,000 fans in the stadium had to leave, with the match subsequently abandoned.

Following the incident, paramedics immediately went out on the ice and formed a protective ring around the player. However, he has sadly passed away at the age of 29.

The Challenge Cup contest was stopped in the 35th minute and later abandoned. He was immediately rushed to Sheffield’s Northern General Hospital.

Footage from the match shows Johnson being struck in the neck by a skate, before he then collapsed.

Johnson’s mother confirmed news of her son’s tragic death, writing on Facebook: “I lost half of my heart today. Love you always.”

A statement from the Nottingham Panthers said: “The Nottingham Panthers are truly devastated to announce that Adam Johnson has tragically passed away following a freak accident at the game in Sheffield last night. 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.