The Crown Prosecution Service (CPS) has announced that no criminal charges will be filed against a professional ice hockey player arrested after the death of Nottingham Panthers’ Adam Johnson.
Johnson, 29, died from a skate injury to the neck during a collision with Sheffield Steelers’ Matt Petgrave on October 28, 2023.
The CPS concluded there was “not a realistic prospect of conviction” after a thorough police investigation.
Deputy Chief Crown Prosecutor Michael Quinn called it a “shocking and deeply upsetting incident” and extended condolences to Johnson’s family.
Petgrave, who was on bail for 17 months after his arrest, maintained it was a “tragic accident.”
Johnson’s death prompted global grief and calls for mandatory neck guards.
While the EIHA will require them, the Elite Ice Hockey League will only strongly encourage their use.
