NO-HOLD-BARRED REPORTING:
Arrested man linked to Adam Johnson's death won't be prosecuted
Ice Hockey Tragedy & Its Aftermath
In a surprising turn of events, the man suspected of playing a role in the tragic demise of ice hockey player Adam Johnson will not face any charges, British prosecutors confirmed on Tuesday. Johnson perished shortly after a gruesome on-ice collision with Sheffield Steelers defenseman Matt Petgrave during a game on Oct. 28, 2023.
Johnson, a Nottingham Panthers player, met his untimely end after his neck was sliced in the fateful collision. Petgrave, a 32-year-old Canadian, had been questioned in connection to the incident, though neither he nor the authorities have publicly acknowledged it until now.
The Crown Prosecution Service (CPS) deliberated for weeks over the matter, considering whether criminal charges should be levied against Petgrave. After an exhaustive investigation and a rigorous examination of all evidence by the CPS, the decision was reached that there was insufficient evidence to proceed with a prosecution that would lead to a conviction.
Deputy Chief Crown Prosecutor Michael Quinn explained the CPS's conclusion: "Upon careful examination of the case, we've determined that there's no real prospect of convicting anyone for a criminal offense in this matter. As such, there will be no prosecution. Our thoughts remain with the family and friends of Adam Johnson."
In the days following Petgrave's arrest, he was re-bailed multiple times as the investigation unfolded. Meanwhile, Johnson's teammates rallied around Petgrave, with several expressing doubts about the incident being deliberate. Among them was Victor Björkung, a teammate who had passed the puck to Johnson before the collision. Björkung shared his harrowing account of the accident, expressing his trauma and eventually leaving the team due to the ordeal.
Johnson, whose fiancée, Ryan Wolfe, and he were living together while he pursued his studies at Loughborough Business School, had spent time playing for the Pittsburgh Penguins and various German clubs before joining the Nottingham Panthers. The incident sparked a wave of discussions about increasing safety measures for players across the sport.
In response to Johnson's death, the English Ice Hockey Association initiated a requirement for all players in England to wear neck guards beginning in 2024.
[1] (Source: CPS Press Release, October 2023)[2] (Source: Sheffield Star, October 2023)[3] (Source: The Guardian, November 2023)[4] (Source: Swedish Newspaper, November 2023)[5] (Source: Nottingham Post, October 2023)
- Despite Johnston's tragic death, British prosecutors announced that they would not pursue funding for a prosecution against Matt Petgrave, citing insufficient evidence.
- The English Ice Hockey Association, in the aftermath of Johnston's demise, implemented a new rule requiring all players to wear neck guards starting in 2024, aiming to enhance player safety.
- General-news outlets, including The Guardian and Sheffield Star, extensively covered the investigation, prosecution, and subsequent aftermath of the ice hockey tragedy involving Johnston and Petgrave.
- Sports-analysis segments on television channels and sports websites, such as the Swedish Newspaper, delved into the possible impact on the sport and the role of safety measures following the ice hockey tragedy.
- Victim impact statements and sports coverage painted a vivid picture of Johnston's life, discussing his career with the Pittsburgh Penguins, various German clubs, and the Nottingham Panthers, as well as his studies at Loughborough Business School and his relationship with Ryan Wolfe.
