Canadian hockey player Matt Petgrave will not face criminal charges over death of Adam Johnson

New York Times

29-04-2025

The Canadian hockey player Matt Petgrave, who was arrested on suspicion of manslaughter following the death of former NHL and Nottingham Panthers player Adam Johnson in 2023, will not face criminal charges, prosecutors have confirmed.
The Crown Prosecution Service (CPS) — an independent organisation that prosecutes criminal cases that have been investigated by the police and other investigative bodies in England and Wales — confirmed Tuesday it has decided against seeking a conviction.
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Johnson, 29, died after being cut in the neck by a skate during a game against the Sheffield Steelers on October 28, 2023, in what his team, the Nottingham Panthers, labelled a 'freak accident.'
South Yorkshire Police (SYP) arrested Petgrave on suspicion of manslaughter on November 14, 2023, and he was subsequently released on police bail as the investigation into Johnson's death continued.
The CPS received the case file from police in May 2024 and spent nearly a year reviewing it before deciding against bringing charges.
Petgrave was told to remain in the United Kingdom while the investigation was ongoing and his bail was extended eight times, most recently on February 28.
A CPS statement read: 'The Crown Prosecution Service has decided it will not bring criminal charges against a professional ice hockey player following the death of Adam Johnson during a match between The Sheffield Steelers and The Nottingham Panthers.'
Michael Quinn, deputy chief crown prosecutor, said: 'This was a shocking and deeply upsetting incident. 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.
'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 offence and so there will not be a prosecution. Our thoughts remain with the family and friends of Adam Johnson.'
'Extensive enquiries, including reviewing footage, interviewing witnesses and consulting with highly-specialised experts from North America, were carried out,' a statement from SYP read.
'In May 2024, a file was submitted to the Crown Prosecution Service (CPS) for review and for a charging decision to be made. Since then, we have worked closely with the CPS and provided them with supplementary information to address follow-up enquiries.
'Following the CPS review, they have declined to authorise charges.'
Benjamin Wood, a detective chief inspector at SYP and the senior investigating officer, added: 'Adam Johnson's death has left a lasting impact that was felt through many communities, from Sheffield residents to ice hockey fans across the globe.
'Following Adam's tragic death, we have worked tirelessly to fully investigate the unprecedented circumstances that took place at the Utilia Arena in October 2023.
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'Our investigation has involved complex consultations with specialist experts from North America, as well as working closely with the Crown Prosecution Service.
'While our investigation has now concluded, our thoughts remain wholeheartedly with Adam's family, and everyone who has been affected by this devastating tragedy.'
Petgrave has never been named by UK police but a crowdfunding account purporting to belong to him was launched in December to help him in his legal fight.
A message posted by an account claiming to be him on CrowdJustice — an online platform where individuals or groups can appeal for money to fund legal action — read: 'I am seeking help to cover some of my legal costs whilst I am subject to police bail, as well as additional costs if the matter proceeds to criminal court. Any remaining funds will be donated to initiatives that promote safety in hockey.'
The message on the CrowdJustice page also claims that Petgrave has been unable to work in the UK while he awaits a resolution to the police investigation.
The Athletic has been unable to contact Petgrave to confirm whether the page is genuine.
Johnson joined the Panthers in the summer of 2023 to play in the Elite Ice Hockey League (EIHL), a competition which has 10 franchises including teams in Northern Ireland, Wales, Scotland and England.
He previously played for the Pittsburgh Penguins in the NHL, scoring a goal and four points in 13 games over parts of the 2018-19 and 2019-20 seasons.
Before joining Pittsburgh, Johnson played collegiately at the University of Minnesota Duluth for two seasons.
(Top photo of Matt Petgrave:)