Hockey player Adam Johnson’s tragic on-ice death won’t lead to criminal charges, British prosecutors announced Tuesday. They’ve cleared Matt Petgrave, who had been arrested on suspicion of manslaughter.
The fatal incident happened during an October 28 game between the Nottingham Panthers and Sheffield Steelers, when Petgrave’s skate cut Johnson’s throat during a collision. Johnson, just 29 years old, died shortly after.
Petgrave was arrested two weeks later, sparking intense debate in the hockey community about player safety and accountability. He turned to crowdfunding to help cover his mounting legal fees while the investigation continued.
“There is not a realistic prospect of conviction for any criminal offense,” said Deputy Chief Crown Prosecutor Michael Quinn. The decision came after what officials described as a thorough investigation by South Yorkshire Police and the Crown Prosecution Service.
Quinn added: “Our thoughts remain with the family and friends of Adam Johnson.”
Johnson’s death sent shockwaves through professional hockey. He’d played 13 games in the NHL with the Pittsburgh Penguins, scoring once and adding three assists, before taking his talents to the British league.
The incident has already sparked changes in hockey, with many leagues now requiring neck guards. It’s also triggered broader conversations about equipment safety in professional sports.
The tragedy cut short a promising career that had seen Johnson climb from Minnesota youth hockey to the sport’s highest levels. He was making his mark in European hockey when his life ended far too soon.
