There will be no criminal charges against Canadian hockey player Matt Petgrave, who is involved in a tragic ice accident, resulting in the death of other player Adam Johnson.
The Crown Prosecutor confirmed that Peter Grave will not file a lawsuit on Tuesday, April 29, and Deputy Chief Prosecutor Michael Quinn said: “There is no realistic prospect of conviction for any criminal offense.”
"It's a shocking and frustrating incident," Quinn said. "The CPS and South Yorkshire Police have worked closely together to determine whether any criminal charges should be filed against other hockey players... Our thoughts are still with Adam Johnson's family and friends."
Johnson, a former NHL player, continued his career in England with the Nottingham Panthers, who was hit in the neck by a skateboard against the Sheffield Steelers on October 28. At that time, the Black Panther organization marked the incident as a "freak accident."
Petgrave, another player involved, was arrested weeks later on for alleged manslaughter. (As usual in the UK, Petgrave was never identified by the police even after being arrested.) Petgrave was released on bail while the SYP investigated, and police sent their case to CPS in May 2024.
"After Adam's tragic death, we are relentlessly working to fully investigate the unprecedented circumstances that happened in the Utilia Arena in October 2023," SYP Detective Chief Inspector Benjamin Wood said in a statement. "Our investigation involves complex consultations with experts from North America and works closely with the Crown Procuratorate. Although our investigation has now concluded, our thoughts are with Adam's family and everyone who is subject to this devastating danger."
As for Petgrave, his bail (most recently in February) was extended eight times as an investigation into Johnson's death. Last December, Petgrave appeared to have launched a crowdfunding campaign to help pay for his legal fees, especially since, as he said, he had to stay in the UK during the investigation and could not work.
“I am seeking help to cover some of my legal fees, while I am going to be given police bail, which will require additional costs if the matter is filed in the criminal court,” Peter Grave wrote. “Any remaining funds will be donated to initiatives that promote hockey safety.”
Petgrave's attorneys listed on the crowdfunding page did not return immediately Rolling stonesMake a request for comment.