Ice hockey player arrested over death of opponent during match won't face criminal charges

No criminal charges will be brought over the death of an ice hockey player who died during a match in Sheffield, prosecutors have announced.

Nottingham Panthers' Adam Johnson died in October 2023 after his neck was cut by an opposition player's skate during a match at Sheffield's Utilita Arena. The Sheffield Steelers player, Matthew Petgrave, was arrested on suspicion of manslaughter and later bailed - but the Crown Prosecution Service (CPS) has now said it will not bring criminal charges against the Canadian.

Michael Quinn, deputy chief crown prosecutor, said: "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. "Our thoughts remain with the family and friends of Adam Johnson." Before joining Nottingham Panthers, the Minnesota-born Johnson played in Pennsylvania for the Pittsburgh Penguins, and Sweden for the Malmo Redhawks.

He also played in California for Ontario Reign and in Germany for Augsburger Panther. A post-mortem examination confirmed the 29-year-old died as a result of the fatal neck injury.

The crowd of 8,000 spectators watched in horror as desperate attempts were made to save his life as he lay on the ice, shielded by fellow players. The game was abandoned and spectators were asked to leave in the aftermath.

Kari Johnson, Johnson's aunt, was watching the match via a livestream with his father and grandmother when he was fatally injured. Speaking to Sky News at the time, Ms Johnson said: "It was a mess, it was a nightmare, it was like it wasn't real.

We were in shock, we couldn't believe this was happening." Ms Johnson described her nephew as a "kind soul" and a "private kid" who "never would have wanted to be in the limelight like this". He simply wanted to be "good at hockey and have fun.