Hockey Player Avoids Criminal Charges In Adam Johnson’s Death

UK prosecutors have determined to not press fees within the dying of American ice hockey participant Adam Johnson, who died in October 2023 after fellow participant Matt Petgrave‘s skate blade lower his neck throughout a recreation.

The tragic incident sparked a world debate about participant security. Johnson, a former NHL participant with the Pittsburgh Penguins, was honored by the Nottingham Panthers, who retired his jersey.

Adam Johnson’s dying led to new security laws, together with obligatory neck guards in some leagues and robust suggestions in others.

According to the New York Post, UK prosecutors have confirmed that no fees shall be introduced within the tragic dying of American ice hockey participant Johnson.

Johnson, a ahead for the Nottingham Panthers, was fatally injured in a collision with Sheffield Steelers defenseman Matt Petgrave on October 28, 2023. He was later pronounced lifeless in what authorities described as a “shocking and deeply upsetting incident.”

In an announcement, Deputy Chief Crown Prosecutor Michael Quinn shared that “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.”

However, he famous that “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.”

He added: “Our thoughts remain with the family and friends of Adam Johnson.”

The deadly on-ice collision occurred when Johnson carried the puck into the Sheffield Steelers’ defensive zone throughout a recreation.

As Petgrave collided with one other Nottingham Panthers participant, he started to fall, and his left skate lifted, placing Johnson within the neck.

At the time, Johnson was rushed to a close-by hospital however sadly didn’t survive. The 29-year-old, who beforehand performed for the NHL’s Pittsburgh Penguins, died from his accidents, sparking widespread dialogue throughout the hockey group concerning the want for stronger security measures on the ice.

In the aftermath, a person was arrested, although South Yorkshire Police by no means formally named him.

Although he was by no means formally named, Petgrave acknowledged in a authorized fundraising marketing campaign that he had change into the topic of the investigation into Johnson’s dying.

The hockey participant was then re-arrested a number of instances as authorities continued their investigation into the tragic incident.

Despite the scrutiny, Petgrave obtained assist from inside the hockey group, together with from Panthers defenseman Victor Björkung, who had handed the puck to Johnson simply earlier than the collision.

Björkung publicly defended Petgrave, telling Swedish media there “isn’t a chance that it’s deliberate.” The emotional toll of witnessing the incident in the end led Björkung to go away the staff.

Hailing from Hibbing, Minnesota, Johnson started his skilled hockey journey within the American Hockey League earlier than making it to the NHL, the place he performed 13 video games with the Pittsburgh Penguins over two seasons between 2018 and 2020.

His profession additionally took him abroad, with stints in Sweden and Germany, earlier than signing with the Nottingham Panthers for the 2023–24 season.

Outside of hockey, Johnson was constructing a life within the UK together with his fiancée, Ryan Wolfe, and was enrolled at Loughborough Business School.

In tribute, the Nottingham Panthers formally retired Johnson’s quantity 47 jersey throughout a ceremony to honor his legacy on and off the ice.

Panthers CEO Omar Pacha praised Johnson not only for his ability as an athlete, however for his character. “Adam was a top player, but he was an even better human being,” he stated.

He went on to name Johnson “a quiet, positive leader, a committed player that guys loved, and a huge, calming presence in the locker room,” including that he “cannot even imagine the feelings” that each one of Mr Johnson’s family and friends “felt and still feel.”