Major investigation update after ice hockey player's death from slit throat
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No criminal charges will be brought following the tragic death of professional ice hockey player Adam Johnson, prosecutors have confirmed.
The Nottingham Panthers star, 29, was killed when he collided with a rival player in a freak accident in Sheffield, UK, in October 2023, The Sun reports.
A 29-year-old man was arrested on suspicion of manslaughter the following month.
The Crown Prosecution Service confirmed no criminal charges will be brought.
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.
Footage of the incident has spread on social media. Photo: Twitter.
'Our thoughts remain with the family and friends of Adam Johnson.'
Video clips showed Petgrave's leg being sent into the air after he was knocked off-balance moments before the horror.
Around 8,000 fans watched in horror as Johnson lay stricken on the ice at Sheffield's Utilita Arena.
He received emergency treatment while being shielded by players before he was taken to hospital.
An inquest into his death heard previously how Adam's fiancee Ryan Wolfe identified his body after he died in hospital later that day.
Tragically, Johnson is understood to have become engaged to partner Ryan during the summer before his death.
She took to Instagram on Monday morning to share a picture of the ice hockey player.
Ryan said: 'My sweet, sweet angel. I'll miss you forever and love you always.'
The conclusion of the investigation comes after Thompson's family had spoken publicly in 2023 to press for a 'full investigation' into the incident
Grieving aunt Kari Johnson, 62, insisted she did not think Petgrave, 31, had intended to kill her nephew.
However, she commented that Petgrave's actions during the game were 'reckless'.
Speaking from her home in Kelly Lake, Minnesota, Kari said in her opinion: 'It was very reckless. I just want them to get it right. We are looking for justice for Adam.'
Kari said she had been watching the game with Adam's mum and dad at home and had witnessed the 'horrific tragedy' unfold together.
Ryan Wolfe posted a heartfelt tribute in the wake of Adam Johnson's tragic death. Photo: Ryan Wolfe, Instagram.
Pittsburgh Penguins forward Adam Johnson. AP Photo/Paul Vernon, File.
And in the days since she has reviewed the footage hundreds of times and come to the conclusion that the manoeuvre was 'totally unnecessary'.
Kari said: 'We are absolutely calling for a complete investigation.
'You don't take your leg and kick somebody and cut their throat. I'm sorry.
'We were watching the game in real-time and we did witness what happened. Horrific is the word to describe.
'My nephew was 6ft tall, and whether you lost your balance or not, to have that leg come up that high and do a kicking motion like he did, that is just unacceptable.
Floral tributes are placed for Nottingham Panthers player Adam Johnson, who died from a skate cut to the neck. AP Photo/Rui Vieira, File.
'I think the actions were unnecessary. It was just unnecessary. Nobody touched him. I've watched that video hundreds of times.
'That's not a hockey play, that's not a check. I understand that every team has an enforcer, per se, on their team.
'I'm sure Mr Petgrave probably didn't even think about the consequences could be of that happening, but there comes a time when you have to realise, that's not hockey.
'And I'm sure he's going through a lot too, but he took our boy. There are a few of us in the family that think it was a totally unnecessary, very, very bad action to take.'
— This story originally appeared on The Sun and has been republished with permission
Originally published as Major investigation update after ice hockey player's death from slit throat
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