UPDATE, April 29, 3:21 p.m. PT: The UK’s Crown Prosecution Service has confirmed that no charges will be brought against Matt Petgrave for the tragic 2023 mid-hockey game incident that killed Adam Johnson.
On Monday, deputy chief crown prosecutor Michael Quinn announced to the media that Petgrave will not face manslaughter or any other criminal charges in the 29-year-old ice hockey star’s October 2023 death. According to multiple media outlets, Quinn said in his announcement:
“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.”
He explained that charges won’t come in the end because there wasn’t a “realistic prospect” of being able to secure a conviction against Petgrave in the case:
“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 offense and so there will not be a prosecution.”
Finally, he concluded by continuing to share his condolences with Johnson’s loved ones:
“Our thoughts remain with the family and friends of Adam Johnson.”
Wow. Still such a sad situation.
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An arrest has been made in connection with hockey standout Adam Johnson’s death.
Last month, during an Elite Ice Hockey League showdown between the Nottingham Panthers and the Sheffield Steelers at Utilita Arena in England, Adam, 29, gruesomely had his throat slashed with an ice skate during a collision with the Steelers’ Matt Petgrave. The “freak accident,” as the official Panthers X (Twitter) account put it, was traumatic for everyone involved, including Adam’s girlfriend who watched it all happen from the stands. As we reported, Adam sadly passed away from the injury.
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A few weeks have now passed, and an arrest has been made.
According to the BBC, the South Yorkshire Police Department arrested an unidentified suspect on Tuesday on suspicion of manslaughter following the horrifying event. People noted that in accordance with UK law, the suspect will not be named until charges have been made. Detective Chief Superintendent Becs Horsfall told BBC on Tuesday:
“Our investigation launched immediately following this tragedy and we have been carrying out extensive inquiries ever since to piece together the events which led to the loss of Adam in these unprecedented circumstances.”
She added that “highly specialized experts in their field” have been involved in the process.
Insiders told The Sun last month that Petgrave was “absolutely distraught” after being involved in the incident.
What a truly devastating situation all around. We’ll be keeping our eyes peeled for more details if charges are made. See more (below):
Our hearts continue to be with all those affected.
[Images via Ryan Wolfe/Instagram & EIHL Match Highlights/YouTube]
