Arrest in Adam Johnson death following Matt Petgrave incident
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Adam Johnson
A man has been arrested in connection with the skating death of Adam Johnson. according to South Yorkshire Police in England.
Johnson, an American-born professional ice hockey player, died after his throat was slit by opposing player Matt Petgrave’s skate. The police press release dated November 14, 2023 does not mention the identity of the arrested man.
video shows The moment Johnson suffered his ultimately fatal injury on the ice. Johnson’s neck was injured by a skate blade in a “freak accident” during a game in England, his team, the Nottingham Panthers, wrote in an earlier statement.
Here’s what you need to know:
Police in England announced that the man “remains in police custody”
Getty/X (Matt Petgrave)Matt Petgrave
“Officers investigating the death of Nottingham Panthers player Adam Johnson have made an arrest,” the police press release said.
“Detectives have arrested a man today (Tuesday, November 14) on suspicion of manslaughter. He currently remains in police custody.”
On Saturday 28 October 2023, 29-year-old Adam Johnson “was seriously injured during a game between Nottingham Panthers and Sheffield Steelers and was later sadly pronounced dead in hospital.” A post-mortem confirmed that he was the result of a fatal neck injury died,” police wrote.
“Adam’s family is being supported by our officers in the investigation. They have asked that their privacy be respected during this incredibly difficult time,” they wrote.
Some fans had demanded Petgrave is set to face charges following the incident, while others defended him.
However, again, police have not said whether the man arrested was Petgrave.
The police say they spoke to “highly specialized experts” in their investigation
Nottingham PanthersThe moment Adam Johnson was injured was captured on video.
Detective Chief Superintendent Becs Horsfall said in the press release: “Our investigation was launched immediately following this tragedy and we have since been carrying out extensive investigations to piece together the events that led to the loss of Adam in these unprecedented circumstances.”
“We have spoken to highly specialized experts in their field to support our investigations and continue to work closely with Sheffield City Council’s Health and Safety Department who are supporting our ongoing investigations,” he said.
“Adam’s death has sent shockwaves across many communities, from our local residents here in Sheffield to hockey fans around the world. We know that these communities expect us to conduct this investigation with the same professionalism, fairness and sensitivity as everyone else, and we urge the public to refrain from comments or speculation that could impede this process. Our thoughts are with everyone affected by this devastating incident as the investigation continues.”
Matt Petgrave, a youth mentor, was described as the most punished player in his league
Hockeydb.com Matt Petgrave
3ice described Petgrave as “the most penalized player in the EIHL” while playing for the Sheffield Steelers.
Euro Hockey listed Petgrave is named the EIHL’s league penalty taker for 2022-23. The site states that he had 129 PIM, or “penalty violation” minutes.
According to his LinkedIn page, Petgrave says he has helped mentor youth interested in hockey and writes that he has been “responsible for the hockey development of students ages 7 to adults.” The skills I developed through teaching, particularly the younger children have developed, are life-shaping. Through this job I learned the importance of patience, clear communication and persistence.” Petgrave was born and raised in Canada.
Johnson’s bio on the Panthers’ website reads he was born in Minnesota. He was 29 years old and “played in four of the best leagues in the world, including 13 games for the NHL club Pittsburgh Penguins.” According to this biography, he was born in the United States.
CONTINUE READING: More about Matt Petgrave
Jessica McBride is a news reporter who covers breaking news, politics and crime for Heavy. She is a former reporter for the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel and Waukesha Freeman newspapers in Wisconsin and is a senior lecturer in journalism at the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee. More about Jessica McBride