No criminal charges will be filed against a professional ice hockey player previously arrested on suspicion of manslaughter in connection with Adam Johnson’s death.
Johnson, aged 29 and a member of the Nottingham Panthers, suffered a fatal neck injury after a collision with Sheffield Steelers’ Matt Petgrave, whose skate struck him during a game on 28 October 2023.
The Crown Prosecution Service (CPS) collaborated with South Yorkshire Police to determine the potential for criminal proceedings.
“After careful analysis, we have determined that there is not a realistic prospect of conviction for any criminal offence. Prosecution is not appropriate,” said Michael Quinn, deputy chief crown prosecutor.
Mr Quinn continued, “This incident was both shocking and profoundly distressing.”
He added, “The CPS and South Yorkshire Police worked in close partnership to consider whether any criminal charges were justified in this case.”
“Our thoughts continue to be with Adam Johnson’s family and friends.”
According to Quinn, the police conducted a “thorough” investigation, with the CPS completing a “comprehensive review” of the available evidence.
Mr Petgrave, a Canadian national, was held on bail for 17 months following his arrest in November 2023.
He was rebailed on seven occasions as the investigation proceeded.
Throughout the process, Petgrave maintained his innocence, describing the event as a “tragic accident.”
Johnson’s passing, with roots in Minnesota, USA, prompted a global response of mourning.
Previously, Johnson had competed in the National Hockey League (NHL) in North America, making 13 appearances for the Pittsburgh Penguins.
He later joined the Swedish Hockey League (SHL) for the 2020–21 campaign, and also played for the Ontario Reign and Lehigh Valley Phantoms in the American Hockey League.
Prior to joining Nottingham Panthers in August 2023, Johnson played for Augsburger Panther in Germany.
Following his death, Johnson’s aunt, Kari Johnson, told Minnesota news station KSTP-TV that her nephew had plans to propose to his partner, Ryan Wolfe.
Wolfe stated, “I’ll miss you forever and love you always.”
Kari Johnson added, “We were all excited for their future, and he never had the chance to ask her before this tragedy occurred.”
The Panthers retired Johnson’s number 47 jersey in a commemorative ceremony ahead of their match against Fife Flyers in December 2024.
At the event, Lynn DeGrio, another aunt, paid tribute on behalf of the family, describing Johnson as “humble, modest and down to earth.”
Omar Pacha, the Panthers’ chief executive, lauded Johnson, saying, “Adam was a top player, but even more so, an exceptional human being.”
Pacha further described Johnson as “a calm, positive leader, a dedicated teammate admired by all, and a significant presence in the locker room,” adding he “cannot fathom the depth of the loss felt by Johnson’s loved ones.”
It is understood that Johnson was not wearing a neck guard at the time of the fatal incident.
After Johnson’s passing, Sheffield coroner Tanyka Rawden issued a prevention of future deaths report advocating for the mandatory use of neck guards in ice hockey.
Rawden expressed concerns that further fatalities could occur if neck guards are not required.
Just days prior, the English Ice Hockey Association (EIHA) had announced that neck guards would become compulsory from 2024.
However, the country’s premier league, the Elite Ice Hockey League (EIHL)—which operates independently of the EIHA—confirmed it would not mandate neck guards, though it would “strongly encourage” their use by players and officials following Johnson’s death.
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