Hockey player involved in death of Adam Johnson won’t face charges

Matt Petgrave, the man arrested on suspicion of manslaughter after the death of hockey player Adam Johnson, will not face charges, British prosecutors said on Tuesday.

The New York Post reports the Crown Prosecution Service (CPS) decided not to charge Petgrave, who was involved in the tragic collision with Johnson during a Nottingham Panthers-Sheffield Steelers hockey game on Oct. 28, 2023. 

Petgrave’s skate sliced Johnson’s neck during the collision, ultimately leading to his death. 

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Adam Johnson #47 of the Pittsburgh Penguins skates against the Carolina Hurricanes at PPG Paints Arena on March 31, 2019 in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania.   (Joe Sargent/NHLI via Getty Images)

South Yorkshire Police arrested Petgrave two weeks after the incident, though they didn’t specify who it was publicly. Then, Petgrave posted a crowdfunding appeal for legal fees, saying that he was the subject of a police investigation. 

The CPS explained their reasoning not to charge Petgrave, calling the situation “a shocking and deeply upsetting incident.”

ADAM JOHNSON’S HORRIFIC DEATH LEADS ENGLISH ICE HOCKEY ASSOCIATION TO MANDATE NECK PROTECTION

“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,” Deputy Chief Crown Prosecutor Michael Quinn said, per The Post. 

“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 offense and so there will not be a prosecution. Our thoughts remain with the family and friends of Adam Johnson.”

Pittsburgh Penguins Left Wing Adam Johnson (47) looks on during the second period in the NHL game between the Pittsburgh Penguins and the Colorado Avalanche on October 16, 2019, at PPG Paints Arena in Pittsburgh, PA.  (Jeanine Leech/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images)

When the horrible incident took place, there was debate on social media about whether Petgrave collided with Johnson on purpose. But Johnson’s teammates supported Petgrave, with one saying there “isn’t a chance that it’s deliberate.”

Debate also sparked about hockey player protection on the ice, and the English Ice Hockey Association quickly mandated neck protection for all players. 

The announcement came two days after Johnson’s accident, as neck protection was mandated starting in 2024. 

Johnson played 13 games during the 2018-19 and 2019-20 seasons for the Pittsburgh Penguins, who honored him at the time of his tragic death.

Matt PetGrave #26 of the Laval Rocket skates during the warm-up against the Belleville Senators prior to the AHL game at Place Bell on February 14, 2018 in Laval, Quebec, Canada.  The Laval Rocket defeated the Belleville Senators 3-2. (Minas Panagiotakis/Getty Images)

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“The Pittsburgh Penguins join the entire hockey world in mourning the life of Adam Johnson, whose life tragically ended far too soon,” the team said in a statement. “We offer our deepest condolences to Adam’s family and friends, as well as all of Adam’s past and present teammates and coaches. Adam will always be part of the Penguins family.” 

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