Adam Johnson's grieving aunt issues strong statement with family 'a mess' after death of ice hockey star
Adam Johnson died at the age of 29 on Saturday
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Adam Johnson's grieving aunt has called for a 'complete investigation' after the death of the ice hockey star on Saturday.
The 29-year-old's throat was reportedly slashed by the blade of an opponent during a match between Nottingham Panthers and Sheffield Steelers.
An inquest into Johnson's death will be opened at the Medico-Legal Centre in Sheffield on Friday at 9am.
And South Yorkshire Police have confirmed their investigation could take some time as they look to get to the bottom of the matter.
💛The Nottingham Panthers Ice Hockey Club have launched this official fundraiser, with the permission of Adam's family, to raise money for the "Love for Hibbing and Hockey Memorial Fund".
— The Nottingham Panthers (@PanthersIHC) October 31, 2023
Fundraising page here: https://t.co/LVjgh7EFRx pic.twitter.com/y5Zwa9m6e0
Johnson's aunt, Kari, has called for a thorough probe into the death of her nephew.
And she also questioned opposition player Matt Petgrave, too, saying his actions were 'reckless'.
"It was very reckless," she told YorkshireLive.
"I just want them to get it right. We are looking for justice for Adam.
"[The manoeuvre was] totally unnecessary. We are absolutely calling for a complete investigation.
"You don’t take your leg and kick somebody and cut their throat. I’m sorry.
"We were watching the game in real-time and we did witness what happened. Horrific is the word to describe it.
"My nephew was 6ft tall, and whether you lost your balance or not, to have that leg come up that high and do a kicking motion like he did, that is just unacceptable.
"I think the actions were unnecessary. It was just unnecessary. Nobody touched him. I’ve watched that video hundreds of times. That’s not a hockey play, that’s not a check.
"I understand that every team has an enforcer, per se, on their team.
"I’m sure Mr Petgrave probably didn’t even think about what the consequences could be of that happening, but there comes a time when you have to realise, that’s not hockey.
"And I’m sure he’s going through a lot too, but he took our boy.
"There are a few of us in the family that think it was a totally unnecessary, very, very bad action to take."
Kari also revealed Johnson's father, as well as herself and the ice hockey star's grandma and brother, have been a 'mess' since his death.
"I would have to say his mother has probably been the strongest of us," she continued.
"But I don't know deep down inside if she’s in shock or crying when she’s alone. She’s just been very strong.
"As far as his dad, my brother, he’s just been a mess.
"Along with Adam’s grandma and Adam’s brother and myself.
"I just want them to get it right. It's not going to bring my nephew back. We just want to make sure they get it right.
"If they find against what I feel, I will have to accept that.
"But I've felt throughout it's very, very reckless and unnecessary. It took a life.
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Tributes have flooded in for Adam Johnson following the death of the ice hockey star
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"I don't want to see it for someone else."
A sea of slowers have been laid at Sheffield's Utilita Arena and Nottingham's Motorpoint Arena in memory of Johnson since his passing.
Fans of all clubs have been invited to attend the home of Nottingham Panthers to celebrate the former player in November 4.
His club have also announced the creation of an official fundraising page to raise money for the Love for Hibbing and Hockey Memorial Fund which has been set up in his memory.