Man arrested after death of Adam Johnson will not face charges, British prosecutors say

A man arrested on suspicion of manslaughter following the death of ice hockey player Adam Johnson has been told he will not face any charges, British prosecutors said Tuesday.

Johnson played for the Nottingham Panthers and died shortly after his neck had been sliced in a collision with Sheffield Steelers defenseman Matt Petgrave during a game on October 28, 2023.

A man was arrested two weeks later and though South Yorkshire Police has not publicly identified him, Petgrave said in a crowdfunding appeal for legal fees that he’s the subject of a police investigation.

On Tuesday, the Crown Prosecution Service (CPS) decided it would not bring criminal charges against the man arrested following what it described as “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,” deputy chief crown prosecutor Michael Quinn said.

“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.”

South Yorkshire Police added: “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.”

After his arrest, Petgrave had been re-bailed several times while the investigation took place.

Johnson had skated with the puck into Sheffield’s defensive zone when Petgrave collided with another Panthers player nearby. Petgrave’s left skate elevated as he began to fall and the blade hit Johnson in the neck.