Adam Johnson was born June 22 1994 in Grand Rapids, MN.

In July 2017 Adam signed a 2-year contract with the Pittsburgh Penguins. After playing 13 games in the NHL, Adam went on to continue hockey in Europe. Adam was playing for the Nottingham Panthers against the Sheffield Steelers at a game in England. Halfway through the game Adam and a player from the opposing team collided resulting in the opposing player’s skate cutting Adam’s neck.

Adam died shortly after due to having bled out on Oct 28, 2023.

A man in England was arrested shortly after the death of Adam for suspicion of manslaughter. South Yorkshire police did not release the age or name of the suspect. This has sent out a lot of debate about whether or not the hockey player cut Adam’s neck on purpose or if it was just an accident, and he was wrongfully arrested.

The death of Adam Johnson has also started the debate on whether the NHL should require cut-resistant neck gear. Tyler Bertuzzi has been the first NHL player to wear the added safety gear since the Adam Johnson tragedy.