Sports
British prosecutors have decided not to file charges against Sheffield Steelers defenseman Matt Petgrave, who was under investigation following the on-ice death of Nottingham Panthers forwardAdam Johnson. The decision ends months of speculation and legal uncertainty surrounding one of the most heartbreaking moments in recent hockey history.
Johnson, 29, died after a freak accident during an Elite Ice Hockey League game in Sheffield on October 28, 2023.Petgrave’s skate struck Johnson in the neck during a mid-ice collision, causing a fatal injury. He was rushed to the hospital but did not survive.
GRAPHIC VIDEO – Former NHL player Adam Johnson died after accidentally cutting his throat with skate
Two weeks later, a man was arrested on suspicion of manslaughter. South Yorkshire Police never officially named Petgrave, but he acknowledged being the subject of the investigation in a public fundraiser for legal expenses.
No charges, but the questions remain
On Tuesday, the Crown Prosecution Service (CPS) announced there would be no prosecution, citing a lack of realistic prospect for conviction. “We’ve reviewed all the evidence and concluded there’s no basis to move forward with criminal charges,” said Michael Quinn of the CPS. “This was a deeply upsetting incident, and our thoughts remain with Adam Johnson’s loved ones.”
While Johnson’s death sparked conversations about player safety and accountability, some of those closest to the event defended Petgrave early on. Teammate Victor Björkung, who delivered the pass to Johnson moments before the collision, told Aftonbladet he didn’t believe there was “any chance” the act was intentional.
Petgrave, 32, has not returned to professional play since the incident. He was re-bailed multiple times during the investigation and remained largely silent until his fundraiser, where he briefly addressed the trauma of the event.
Johnson, originally from Hibbing, Minnesota, had brief stints with the Pittsburgh Penguins before moving to Europe. He was in his first season with Nottingham and studying at Loughborough Business School while living with his fiancée, Ryan Wolfe.
His death triggered immediate changes in British hockey. The English Ice Hockey Association now mandates neck guards for all players, a rule that took effect in 2024.
Though the legal case is closed, the emotional impact of that night – for players, fans, and families – is still being felt across the sport.
This news was originally published on this post .
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