No Criminal Charges Against Player Involved in ‘Freak Accident’ that Killed Former NHL Player Adam Johnson at 29

No Criminal Charges in Death of Hockey Player Adam Johnson

The Crown Prosecution Service has announced that there will be no criminal charges brought against the professional ice hockey player involved in the tragic death of former NHL player Adam Johnson. Johnson passed away in October 2023 following a neck injury sustained during a collision with player Matt Petgrave.

In a recent statement, the Crown Prosecution Service cited that there was not a realistic prospect of conviction for any criminal offence in relation to Johnson’s death. This decision comes after a thorough investigation into the incident that occurred during a game in England between Johnson’s team, the Nottingham Panthers, and the Sheffield Steelers.

The collision between Johnson and Petgrave resulted in a fatal neck injury for Johnson, who was treated on the ice before being pronounced dead at Sheffield’s Northern General Hospital. Two weeks after the tragic event, South Yorkshire Police took a man into custody in connection with the incident. Although the man was not named by the police, Petgrave acknowledged that he was the subject of a manslaughter investigation and sought assistance with legal fees through a crowdfunding appeal.

Despite being on bail for 17 months and undergoing several re-bails during the investigation, Petgrave maintained that the incident was a “tragic accident.” The decision by the Crown Prosecution Service not to pursue criminal charges was based on a comprehensive review of the evidence gathered by the police.

Following Johnson’s untimely death, there was a push for increased safety measures in the sport of ice hockey. The English Ice Hockey Association responded by mandating that all players in England wear neck guards starting in 2024 to prevent similar accidents from occurring in the future.

While the Elite Ice Hockey League did not make neck guards mandatory, they strongly encouraged players to use them in light of the tragedy involving Johnson. The league recognised the importance of prioritising player safety to prevent any more heartbreaking incidents from happening on the ice.

Adam Johnson’s legacy lives on in the hockey community, with tributes and remembrances honouring his contributions to the sport. As fans and players continue to mourn his loss, efforts to improve safety standards in ice hockey serve as a testament to the impact he had on the game.

The decision not to press criminal charges in this case has sparked discussions about liability and responsibility in sports-related accidents. It highlights the complexities of accountability when tragedies occur on the field of play and raises questions about how best to prevent such incidents in the future.

The memory of Adam Johnson will endure as a reminder of the importance of player safety and the need for continuous efforts to safeguard athletes in high-intensity sports like ice hockey. As the hockey community reflects on his life and legacy, the conversation around safety measures in the sport continues to evolve to protect players and prevent future tragedies.