Introduction to the Incident
LONDON — A man arrested on suspicion of manslaughter following the death of ice hockey player Adam Johnson has been told he will not face any charges, British prosecutors said Tuesday.
Background on the Accident
Johnson played for the Nottingham Panthers and died shortly after his neck had been sliced in a collision with Sheffield Steelers defenseman Matt Petgrave during a game on Oct. 28, 2023. A man was arrested two weeks later and though South Yorkshire Police did not publicly identify him, Petgrave himself said in a crowdfunding appeal for legal fees that he was the subject of a police investigation.
Decision on Prosecution
On Tuesday, the Crown Prosecution Service announced it would not bring criminal charges against the man arrested following what it described as “a shocking and deeply upsetting incident.” “The CPS and South Yorkshire Police have worked closely together to determine whether any criminal charges should be brought against the other ice hockey player involved,” Deputy Chief Crown Prosecutor Michael Quinn said.
Investigation Details
Following a thorough police investigation and a comprehensive review of all the evidence by the CPS, we have concluded that there is not a realistic prospect of conviction for any criminal offense and so there will not be a prosecution. Our thoughts remain with the family and friends of Adam Johnson. After his arrest, Petgrave had been re-bailed several times while the investigation took place. His representative did not immediately respond to a request for comment Tuesday.
The Accident
During the game, Johnson had skated with the puck into Sheffield’s defensive zone when Petgrave collided with another Panthers player nearby. Petgrave’s left skate elevated as he began to fall and the blade hit Johnson in the neck. The native of Hibbing, Minnesota, was pronounced dead at a nearby hospital. The death of the 29-year-old former Pittsburgh Penguins player sparked debate across the sport about improving safety for players.
Reaction and Support
Petgrave, a 33-year-old Canadian, had support from some of Johnson’s teammates. Victor Björkung had told a Swedish newspaper there “isn’t a chance that it’s deliberate.” Björkung had played the pass to Johnson and said he was traumatized by what he saw. Johnson — one of the “import” players in the Elite Ice Hockey League — was in his first season at Nottingham after stints in Germany and a handful of games for the Penguins in the 2018-19 and 2019-20 seasons.
Personal Life and Legacy
Johnson was living with fiancée Ryan Wolfe and studying at Loughborough Business School. The English Ice Hockey Association, which governs the sport below the Elite League, reacted to Johnson’s death by requiring all players in England to wear neck guards from the start of 2024.
Conclusion
The decision not to pursue charges in the death of Adam Johnson brings a close to the legal aspect of this tragic incident. However, the impact of his death on the world of ice hockey and the push for improved safety measures will undoubtedly continue. The outpouring of support from the hockey community for both Johnson’s family and Matt Petgrave underscores the respect and camaraderie that exists among players, even in the face of such a devastating accident.
FAQs
- Q: What happened to Adam Johnson?
A: Adam Johnson, an ice hockey player, died after his neck was sliced in a collision during a game. - Q: Was anyone charged in connection with Adam Johnson’s death?
A: No, the Crown Prosecution Service decided not to bring any criminal charges due to a lack of realistic prospect of conviction. - Q: How has the hockey community reacted to Adam Johnson’s death?
A: The community has come together to support both Johnson’s family and the player involved in the accident, Matt Petgrave, with many expressing disbelief that the incident was intentional. - Q: What changes have been made to improve safety in ice hockey following Adam Johnson’s death?
A: The English Ice Hockey Association has made it mandatory for all players in England to wear neck guards starting from 2024.
