Sheffield, England (trfnews.i234.me) — After an extensive 18-month investigation, British prosecutors have announced that no criminal charges will be filed in the tragic death of Minnesota-born hockey player Adam Johnson.
Johnson, 29, a native of Hibbing, Minnesota, was playing for the Nottingham Panthers in the Elite Ice Hockey League (EIHL) when he suffered a fatal neck injury during a game against the Sheffield Steelers on October 28, 2023. The injury occurred when the skate of opposing player Matt Petgrave made contact with Johnson’s neck during a collision. Despite immediate medical attention, Johnson was pronounced dead at a local hospital.
Initially described as a “freak accident” by team officials, the incident led to Petgrave’s arrest on suspicion of manslaughter. He was released on bail multiple times as South Yorkshire Police and the Crown Prosecution Service (CPS) conducted a thorough investigation.
On April 29, 2025, the CPS concluded that there was no realistic prospect of conviction and therefore decided not to proceed with prosecution. Deputy Chief Crown Prosecutor Michael Quinn stated, “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”.
The decision has been met with mixed reactions. Petgrave, who is Canadian, faced significant personal and professional challenges during the investigation, including the expiration of his UK visa and loss of income. He raised over £18,000 through crowdfunding to cover legal expenses .
Johnson’s death has had a profound impact on the hockey community, prompting discussions about player safety. In response, the International Ice Hockey Federation (IIHF) mandated the use of neck laceration guards in all competitions, and USA Hockey now requires neck guards for all youth players.
Johnson’s legacy continues to be honored. The Nottingham Panthers retired his number 47 jersey, and a plaque was unveiled at the Motorpoint Arena in his memory.
I’m Chris Harper reporting for TRF News.
Did You Know?
Adam Johnson’s tragic death led to significant changes in hockey safety protocols, including mandatory neck guards in international competitions and youth leagues in the United States.