British prosecutors announced Tuesday they will not pursue charges against the man arrested in the 2023 death of former NHL player Adam Johnson.
Johnson, 29, died shortly after his neck was slashed by a skate blade. Police in South Yorkshire, England, arrested a man two weeks later on suspicion of manslaughter.
Johnson, a forward who appeared in 13 games with the Pittsburgh Penguins from 2018-20, was playing for the Elite Hockey League’s Nottingham Panthers when the incident occurred in the second period of a game on Oct. 28, 2023.
Police did not identify the man they arrested, but Sheffield Steelers defenseman Matt Petgrave was involved in the collision with Johnson. Petgrave, 32, later identified himself in a crowd-funding appeal to help with legal fees.
The Crown Prosecution Service confirmed Tuesday it has decided not to bring criminal charges.
“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 offense and so there will not be a prosecution. Our thoughts remain with the family and friends of Adam Johnson.”
Johnson received emergency treatment on the ice and was taken to Sheffield’s Northern General Hospital, where he was pronounced dead.
A native of Minnesota, Johnson recorded one goal and three assists during his time with the Penguins.
Following the tragedy, the English Ice Hockey Association has required all players to wear neck guards since the start of 2024.
–Field Level Media
