Man released without charge 18 months after arrest over death of ice hockey star Adam Johnson

A man has finally been released from police bail 18 months on from the incident which saw ice hockey star killed on the ice. Johnson, 29, was playing for Nottingham Panthers when the horrifying incident took place at Sheffield Arena.

The skate of Sheffield Steelers star Matthew Petgrave collided with his neck, in an incident the Panthers described at the time as a "freak accident". CPR was administered on the ice but Johnson sadly died from his injuries.

later arrested a man on suspicion of manslaughter, but after an arduous process, have now released him without charge.

A statement from the force read: "A man who was arrested on suspicion of manslaughter following the death of ice hockey player Adam Johnson in Sheffield has been released from police bail with no further action, following a decision by the Crown Prosecution Service not to bring charges.

READ MORE:

READ MORE:

"Adam, 29, was fatally injured during a game between the Sheffield Steelers and Nottingham Panthers at the Utilita Arena on 28 October 2023.

"A post-mortem examination confirmed he died as a result of a neck injury. A criminal investigation was launched following the incident to ascertain the circumstances which led to Adam's death.

"Following initial enquiries, in November 2023, a man was arrested on suspicion of manslaughter.

"Extensive enquiries, including reviewing footage, interviewing witnesses and consulting with highly-specialised experts from North America, were carried out.

"In May 2024, a file was submitted to the Crown Prosecution Service (CPS) for review and for a charging decision to be made. Since then, we have worked closely with the CPS and provided them with supplementary information to address follow-up enquiries.

"Following the CPS review, they have declined to authorise charges."

Detective Chief Inspector Benjamin Wood, Senior Investigating Officer, added: "Adam Johnson's death has left a lasting impact that was felt through many communities, from Sheffield residents to ice hockey fans across the globe.

"Following Adam's tragic death, we have worked tirelessly to fully investigate the unprecedented circumstances that took place at the Utilia Arena in October 2023.

"Our investigation has involved complex consultations with specialist experts from North America, as well as working closely with the Crown Prosecution Service.

“While our investigation has now concluded, our thoughts remain wholeheartedly with Adam's family, and everyone who has been affected by this devastating tragedy."

Despite never being officially named by police as the individual arrested, Petgrave broke his silence to crowdfund for his legal costs in December last year.

“My name is Matthew Petgrave, and I’ve been a professional ice hockey player for the past seven years," he wrote. "Hockey has been my lifelong passion, and I consider it a great privilege to have built a career in the sport.

“On October 28, 2023, I was involved in a tragic accident that resulted in the passing of fellow ice hockey player Adam Johnson. There is an ongoing police investigation and the legal process has been long and challenging.

“I want to express my deepest gratitude to everyone who has supported me, including my teammates, fellow players, and league personnel, who have stood by me from the beginning and continue to do so. Your support has been invaluable to me and my family during this incredibly difficult time.

“Initially, I had the benefit of Insurance Cover, but through no fault of my own, this has been halted. Additionally, the time and costs involved in the legal investigation and potential court proceedings are difficult for me to cover on a privately funded basis.

“This is especially challenging because my UK Visa has expired, preventing me from working as a professional ice hockey player while I continue to need legal assistance. I am seeking help to cover some of my legal costs whilst I am subject to Police bail, as well as additional costs if the matter proceeds to criminal court.

“Any remaining funds will be donated to initiatives that promote safety in hockey, via a CrowdJustice campaign in-line with their unused funds policy.”

Johnson, who played 13 times for Pittsburgh Penguins in the NHL, had moved to Europe to further his career, initially signing for German side Augsburger for the 2022-23 campaign.

After one season, he moved to the UK and joined Nottingham Panthers, becoming one of the marquee players in Britain's Elite League.

He was part of the Panthers side that made the short journey north to South Yorkshire to face Sheffield Steelers in a Challenge Cup clash at the Sheffield Arena.

Over 8,000 spectators were in attendance for the fixture between British ice hockey's two biggest clubs, and what is widely recognised as the country's fiercest rivalry.

Following the incident, protective sheets were raised around the stricken star, players returned to the dressing rooms and spectators were asked to leave the arena.

Johnson was taken to the nearby Northern General Hospital, where he was pronounced dead.

In response to Johnson's death, the Elite League announced all fixtures had been temporarily suspended. Nottingham didn't return to competitive action for almost a month and pulled out of the Challenge Cup.

Tributes were paid to Johnson worldwide while thousands of pounds were raised in his memory to support his family. Johnson left behind his long-term girlfriend Ryan Wolfe, for whom he had recently bought an engagement ring.

The Panthers retired Johnson's No.47 jersey - the seventh shirt to be retired in the club's history.

The incident led to several mandates on neck protection, with the sport's global governing body, the IIHF, stipulating neck guards are mandatory for all its affiliated leagues from the 2024-25 season. However, they are not mandatory in the NHL.

READ MORE:

READ MORE:

One year on from the incident, Kevin Moore, who now coaches Coventry Blaze having been an assistant coach for Nottingham, told the : "It's something I still think about weekly.

"And every game I do my best to just say a little prayer for him and his family and honour him. He'll never be forgotten in this community and certainly I'll never forget him either.

"He had such a way about him that was selfless. He was the best player on our team, in my opinion he was the best player in the league.

"And to have somebody of that stature with no ego, it's everything you want when you're coaching, you want your players to be like that. I think his character as a man is what I'll remember about him the most."