British prosecutors announced Tuesday that no criminal charges will be filed against the man arrested following the tragic death of ice hockey player Adam Johnson during a game last year.
Johnson, who was playing for the Nottingham Panthers, died after suffering a fatal neck injury during a collision with Sheffield Steelers defenseman Matt Petgrave on October 28, 2023. The incident occurred mid-game when Petgrave’s skate accidentally struck Johnson’s neck.
Two weeks after the accident, a man was arrested on suspicion of manslaughter. While police did not name him, Petgrave later acknowledged he was under investigation in a crowdfunding campaign seeking legal support.
The Crown Prosecution Service (CPS) said on Tuesday that following a thorough investigation and review of all the evidence, it had concluded there was no realistic prospect of a conviction. Therefore, no charges would be brought.
“This was a shocking and deeply upsetting incident,” said Deputy Chief Crown Prosecutor Michael Quinn. “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.”
Throughout the investigation, Petgrave had been re-bailed multiple times. His agent declined to comment on the decision.
The fatal collision occurred as Johnson carried the puck into Sheffield’s defensive zone. In the ensuing play, Petgrave collided with another Nottingham player, causing him to lose balance and his left skate to rise, tragically slicing Johnson’s neck. The 29-year-old Minnesota native was rushed to a nearby hospital, where he was pronounced dead.
Johnson’s death prompted widespread discussion in the ice hockey community about player safety. Petgrave, 33, received support from some of Johnson’s teammates, including Victor Björkung, who stated in a Swedish interview that there was “no chance” the act was intentional.
Johnson had joined the Nottingham Panthers for his first season in the Elite Ice Hockey League (EIHL) after playing in Germany and making brief appearances with the NHL’s Pittsburgh Penguins during the 2018–19 and 2019–20 seasons. He was living in the UK with his fiancée, Ryan Wolfe, while pursuing studies at Loughborough Business School.
In response to the incident, the English Ice Hockey Association introduced a new rule requiring all players under its jurisdiction to wear neck guards starting in 2024, aiming to enhance safety measures in the sport.
