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NEWS: Update on investigation into death of hockey player in Sheffield
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.
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, said: "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."

Thank goodness, however it's taken almost a year for the CPS to make a decision - shocking.

steeler pete wrote: ↑

Tue Apr 29, 2025 12:26 pm

Thank goodness, however it's taken almost a year for the CPS to make a decision - shocking.

That's what happens when you underfund the CPS.

Our thoughts have always been with Adam Johnson family in this horrendous time. I have to add that I hope to god Matt can pick up his own life and carry on in some positive way... Our thought must also be with him for the hell he has been put through since the tragic incident.. My hope has always been the the Steelers org can look after him in some way....

Jayboy

Finally some common sense has prevailed, and now Matt can try and get on with rebuilding his life after such tragic circumstances

Absolutely disgraceful how long it has taken to reach this decision.

I don't know how the system works, but I hope Petgrave can hit SYP/PCS for all his costs, loss of earnings and emotional distress.

It's bad enough having to live with the death of a fellow professional due to an accident he was involved in, but to also effectively lose 18 months of freedom is awful.

Hopefully he can somehow put this behind him now and get on with the rest of his life

Also thoughts go out to the Johnson family, because this has also been hanging over them for a long time.

Commonsense finally prevails.

Regards

Doom

If I’ve understood this (maybe not!) the result is that CPS declined to bring the case. Thus surely must mean the South Yorkshire Police tried to get a prosecution. If so absolutely disgusting. At last we can talk about it and I am sure we would all agreed that it was obviously an awful accident. The idea of a prosecution after all this time reflects badly on our authorities.

Awful for Johnson and family but dreadful too for Petgrave to have his liberty removed for a year and a half. This is a broken system.

Sadly and predictably this has just woken up the racist trolls on Twitter, if you don't want to see the comments I'd suggest staying away from the comments on posts by those with large followings, the cesspit that is the typical kkk/trump/maga supporter is bubbling away and the stench is vile.

At last, good luck Matthew Petgrave, I hope you are compensated for the time it has took the CPS and you are able to move on now.

It was an unfortunate accident, I was sat 30ft away and it never ever looked like anything else but an awkward hockey collision.

Bryan wrote: ↑

Tue Apr 29, 2025 1:18 pm

If I’ve understood this (maybe not!) the result is that CPS declined to bring the case. Thus surely must mean the South Yorkshire Police tried to get a prosecution. If so absolutely disgusting. At last we can talk about it and I am sure we would all agreed that it was obviously an awful accident. The idea of a prosecution after all this time reflects badly on our authorities.

Awful for Johnson and family but dreadful too for Petgrave to have his liberty removed for a year and a half. This is a broken system.

A little knowledge is a dangerous thing. The police do not prosecute, the CPS does that, a clue is in the name, Crown PROSECUTION service. The police investigate, collect and preserve evidence and present it to the CPS for a charging decision, that includes evidence that could indicate innocence as well as guilt.