In his honor, fans and team members participated in a memorial at Nottingham’s Motorpoint Arena, where they paid their respects by signing books of condolence and leaving floral tributes.
Adam Johnson was fatally injured after being struck in the throat by an opponent's skate during a match against the Sheffield Steelers. The event has sparked discussions about player safety, with suggestions like the introduction of neck guards being debated. Some supporters, deeply affected by the incident, have expressed their shock and distress, leading to significant emotional responses such as difficulty sleeping, eating, and panic attacks.
To remember Johnson and support his legacy, the Nottingham Panthers have established an official fundraising page for a memorial fund. His funeral is set to take place in the United States.
The local coroner has opened and adjourned an inquest into his death, and while the Elite Ice Hockey League has not made neck guards mandatory, they encourage their use. The incident is currently under investigation by South Yorkshire Police, which is expected to be a meticulous process.