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No criminal charges will be filed against an ice hockey player who was arrested on suspicions of manslaughter following the tragic death of Adam Johnson. The Crown Prosecution Service (CPS) concluded that there was no realistic chance of securing a conviction.
Adam Johnson, a player for the Nottingham Panthers, suffered a fatal neck injury caused by a skate during a collision with Sheffield Steelers’ Matt Petgrave in October 2023. The Panthers referred to this incident as a “freak accident.” Despite immediate CPR being administered on the ice at the Sheffield Arena, Johnson succumbed to his injuries.
Initially taken into custody, Petgrave was later released on police bail, but after an extensive 18-month investigation, the CPS announced that the case had been closed. Michael Quinn, deputy chief crown prosecutor, expressed the distress surrounding the incident, stating, “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.”
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Quinn further added, “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 offence and so there will not be a prosecution.” He also extended condolences to the family and friends of Adam Johnson.
Before his time with the Nottingham Panthers, Johnson briefly played in the National Hockey League (NHL), where he made 13 appearances for the Pittsburgh Penguins. He subsequently played in Canada and Germany before relocating to the UK and joining the Panthers.
While South Yorkshire Police did not officially name Petgrave, he publicly discussed his arrest in December 2024 through a fundraising appeal on CrowdJustice.com, where he raised over £18,000. In his appeal, Petgrave stated, “I am seeking help to cover some of my legal costs while I am subject to police bail, as well as additional costs if the matter proceeds to criminal court. Any remaining funds will be donated to initiatives that promote safety in hockey.”
In response to the incident, the International Ice Hockey Federation (IIHF) has mandated the use of neck guards for all its affiliated leagues starting in the 2024-25 season, although such equipment remains optional in the NHL.
In memory of Johnson, the Nottingham Panthers have retired his No. 47 jersey, marking the seventh time in the club’s history that a jersey has been retired.
Source
www.theguardian.com