British prosecutors announced on Tuesday that the man arrested on suspicion of manslaughter after the death of ice hockey player Adam Johnson will not face any charges.
Johnson, who played for the Nottingham Panthers, died on October 28, 2023, shortly after suffering a neck injury during a collision with Sheffield Steelers defenseman Matt Petgrave in a game.
A man was arrested two weeks after the incident. While South Yorkshire Police did not name him publicly, Matt Petgrave stated in a crowdfunding appeal for legal costs that he was under police investigation.
On Tuesday, the Crown Prosecution Service (CPS) confirmed their decision not to pursue criminal charges against the arrested man, describing the event as “a shocking and deeply upsetting incident.”
Deputy Chief Crown Prosecutor Michael Quinn stated that the CPS and South Yorkshire Police conducted a thorough investigation and reviewed all evidence. They concluded there was “not a realistic prospect of conviction for any criminal offence,” leading to the decision against prosecution. Quinn added, “Our thoughts remain with the family and friends of Adam Johnson.”
Following his arrest, Petgrave had been repeatedly released on bail during the investigation.
The incident occurred when Johnson skated with the puck into Sheffield`s defensive zone. Petgrave collided with another player from the Panthers nearby, and as Petgrave fell, his left skate lifted, with the blade striking Johnson`s neck.
Johnson, a 29-year-old native of Hibbing, Minnesota, and former Pittsburgh Penguins player, was pronounced dead at a local hospital. His death prompted widespread discussion within the sport regarding enhanced player safety measures.
Petgrave, a 32-year-old Canadian, received support from some of Johnson’s teammates. Victor Björkung, who passed the puck to Johnson during the play, told a Swedish newspaper he believed the incident was not deliberate. Björkung stated he was traumatized by witnessing the event and consequently left the team.
Johnson was in his first season with Nottingham in the Elite Ice Hockey League, arriving after playing in Germany and having appeared in a few games for the Pittsburgh Penguins during the 2018-19 and 2019-20 seasons.
At the time of his death, Johnson was living with his fiancée Ryan Wolfe and studying at Loughborough Business School.
In response to Johnson’s death, the English Ice Hockey Association, governing the sport below the Elite League level, mandated that all players in England wear neck guards starting in 2024.
