A hockey player has been arrested on manslaughter charges following the death of Nottingham Panthers hockey player, Adam Johnson, who succumbed to his injuries after a game at the Utilita Arena in Sheffield, England.
BBC reports that the South Yorkshire Police Department confirmed that a man has been arrested on suspicion of manslaughter following Johnson’s death. Police did not release the suspect’s name or age but Sports Illustrated reports that Sheffield Steelers star Matt Petgrave is assumed to be the defendant.
On October 28, Johnson, originally from Minnesota, died after Petgrave’s skate cut his neck during the game. Nearly 8,000 fans witnessed the event as people attempted to assist Johnson, who later passed away from his injuries.
Video of the game showed Johnson skating with a puck before Petgrave moved in and collided with another player, causing Petgrave’s left skate to kick up as he fell. The blade struck Johnson’s neck and both men crashed onto the ice.
The graphic footage also showed how Petgrave’s skate blade inflicted the fatal laceration.
Warning: Graphic Footage
Although initially called a “freak accident,” South Yorkshire police announced an arrest in the case, following weeks of investigation.
“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, with South Yorkshire Police announced.
“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.”
Inside Edition reports that Johnson’s aunt, who was watching the game at home in Minnesota, believes that the kick that killed her nephew was intentional.
“In all of my 50-some years playing and watching hockey, I have never, ever seen something like that,” Johnson’s aunt, Carrie Johnson, said. “I do believe the kick was deliberate.”
Meanwhile, a sports store manager, Michael Osinga, told Inside Edition that the NHL is reportedly considering whether neck guards should be a requirement for all players.
“Neck guards are the easiest and quickest prevention and it should be a no-brainer,” Osinga says. “It’s going to save your life if a skate hits your neck.”
Johnson appeared in 13 NHL games, including his time spent with the Pittsburgh Penguins during the 2018-19 and 2019-20 seasons.
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[Feature Photo: FILE – Pittsburgh Penguins forward Adam Johnson in action during an NHL hockey game in Columbus, Ohio, Friday, Sept. 22, 2017. American hockey player Adam Johnson has died after a “freak accident” during a game in England on Saturday, Oct. 28, 2023 his club said. The 29-year-old Minnesota native was playing for the Nottingham Panthers in a Challenge Cup game against the Sheffield Steelers when he suffered a slashed neck during the second period of the game at Sheffield’s Utilita Arena. (AP Photo/Paul Vernon, file)]
