No charges in 2023 death of ex-NHL, UMD player Adam Johnson

Field Level Media — Tue, 29 Apr 2025 16:24:24 GMT

British prosecutors announced Tuesday they will not pursue charges against the man arrested in the 2023 death of former NHL player Adam Johnson.

Johnson, 29, died shortly after his neck was slashed by a skate blade. Police in South Yorkshire, England, arrested a man two weeks later on suspicion of manslaughter.

Johnson, a forward who appeared in 13 games with the Pittsburgh Penguins from 2018-20, was playing for the Elite Hockey League's Nottingham Panthers when the incident occurred in the second period of a game on Oct. 28, 2023.

Johnson was a Hibbing, Minnesota, native who played collegiate hockey with Minnesota Duluth.

Police did not identify the man they arrested, but Sheffield Steelers defenseman Matt Petgrave was involved in the collision with Johnson. Petgrave, 32, later identified himself in a crowd-funding appeal to help with legal fees.

The Crown Prosecution Service confirmed Tuesday it has decided not to bring criminal charges.

"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," Deputy Chief Crown Prosecutor Michael Quinn said.

"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. Our thoughts remain with the family and friends of Adam Johnson."

Johnson received emergency treatment on the ice and was taken to Sheffield's Northern General Hospital, where he was pronounced dead.

Johnson recorded one goal and three assists during his time with the Penguins.

Following the tragedy, the English Ice Hockey Association has required all players to wear neck guards since the start of 2024.

]]>

Man arrested in connection with Adam Johnson incident

Staff reports — Tue, 14 Nov 2023 18:00:01 GMT

SHEFFIELD, U.K. — An unidentified man was arrested on Tuesday, Nov. 14, on suspicion of manslaughter in the investigation of the death of former Hibbing/Chisholm and Minnesota Duluth men's hockey player Adam Johnson in an on-ice incident on Oct. 28.

The South Yorkshire Police have been conducting the investigation after Johnson suffered a fatal cut to the neck from the skate blade of opposing player Matt Petgrave during an Elite Ice Hockey League game between Johnson's Nottingham Panthers and the Sheffield Steelers in Sheffield.

After extensive treatment at the arena, Johnson was taken to a local hospital and died of his injuries. Officials in both professional athletics and criminal law have publicly weighed in on the incident since Johnson's death, speculating that Petgrave could be subject to a manslaughter charge.

"We have been carrying out extensive inquiries to piece together the events which led to the loss of Adam in these unprecedented circumstances," Detective Chief Superintendent Becs Horsfall said in a news release. "We have been speaking to highly specialised experts in their field to assist in our inquiries and continue to work closely with the health and safety department at Sheffield City Council, which is supporting our ongoing investigation.

"Adam's death has sent shockwaves through many communities, from our local residents here in Sheffield to ice hockey fans across the world."

The arrested man was not identified but remains in police custody, according to the release.

Kari Johnson, Adam's aunt, told the New York Post earlier this month that she believes the other player did not intend to kill Adam, but that his actions were "very reckless."

“I just want them [authorities investigating] to get it right. We are looking for justice for Adam," she told the Post.

Reached Tuesday by The Rink Live following news of the arrest, Kari Johnson said the family won't be commenting at this time.

An inquest into Johnson's death was recently adjourned until Jan. 26, 2024, to allow for a coroner's investigation to be completed.

]]>

ADAM JOHNSON

No charges in 2023 death of ex-NHL, UMD player Adam Johnson

Man arrested in connection with Adam Johnson incident