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Charges Dropped in Adam Johnson Case Following Manslaughter Investigation
British prosecutors announced on Tuesday that a man arrested on suspicion of manslaughter in connection with the death of hockey player Adam Johnson will not face charges. The decision comes in the wake of a tragic incident that has drawn significant attention in the sports community.
Adam Johnson, who played for the Nottingham Panthers, died on October 28, 2023, after suffering a severe neck injury during a game against the Sheffield Steelers. The injury occurred when Johnson collided with Steelers defenceman Matt Petgrave, whose skate inadvertently struck Johnson’s neck.
In the aftermath of the incident, a man was apprehended two weeks later, though he has not been publicly identified by South Yorkshire Police. Petgrave later spoke out, stating in a crowdfunding appeal for legal fees that he was under police scrutiny.
The Crown Prosecution Service (CPS) stated that it conducted a thorough investigation in conjunction with South Yorkshire Police to determine if any criminal charges were warranted. The Deputy Chief Crown Prosecutor, Michael Quinn, remarked on the CPS’s conclusions, stating, “Following a thorough police investigation and a comprehensive review of all the evidence, we have concluded that there is not a realistic prospect of conviction for any criminal offence and so there will not be a prosecution. Our thoughts remain with the family and friends of Adam Johnson.”
WATCH | Former NHLer Adam Johnson killed in hockey accident in England:
Former NHL player killed in hockey accident in England
Former NHL player Adam Johnson was tragically killed after his neck was cut by a skate during an on-ice collision in Sheffield, England. This incident has raised questions about the safety equipment used in the sport.
During the match, Johnson had brought the puck into Sheffield’s defensive zone when Petgrave collided with another player. As a result, Petgrave’s left skate lifted and struck Johnson in the neck, leading to his untimely death at a local hospital. The loss of the 29-year-old former Pittsburgh Penguins player has ignited conversations around player safety in hockey.
In the wake of Johnson’s death, teammates and supporters reacted with a mix of grief and advocacy for safety reforms. Victor Björkung, a teammate, emphasized that he believed the incident was not deliberate, stating in a Swedish newspaper that there “isn’t a chance that it’s deliberate.” The tragedy reportedly left him traumatized, leading to his departure from the team.
WATCH | Man arrested after hockey player’s neck slashed during game:
Man arrested after hockey player’s neck slashed during game
Law enforcement officials in England had arrested a man on suspicion of manslaughter concerning Adam Johnson’s death, which occurred after his neck was cut by a skate blade during an October game.
Johnson had recently joined the Nottingham Panthers, becoming one of the “import” players in the Elite Ice Hockey League after competing in Germany and having brief appearances with the Penguins during the 2018-19 and 2019-20 seasons. At the time of his passing, he was living with his fiancée, Ryan Wolfe, and pursuing studies at Loughborough Business School.
In response to this tragic incident, the English Ice Hockey Association announced a mandate requiring all players in England to wear neck guards starting in 2024, underscoring the ongoing need for improved safety measures in the sport.
Source
www.cbc.ca