The man involved in the death of hockey player Adam Johnson has spoken out about the incident for the first time via a crowdfunding request for help with his legal fees.
Matt Petgrave — a former defenseman for the UK’s Sheffield Steelers — shared a crowdfunding campaign for his legal expenses over a year after the death of Johnson, who was cut in the neck by Petgrave’s skate blade during a game.
“I was involved in a tragic accident that resulted in the passing of fellow ice hockey player Adam Johnson. There is an ongoing police investigation and the legal process has been long and challenging,” Petgrave said via the UK-based crowdfunding platform CrowdJustice.
UK authorities have not identified the person involved in the accident. Under UK law, the suspect’s name in Johnson’s death investigation will not be made public until they are charged with a crime.
Adam Johnson.
Dave Reginek/NHLI via Getty
Petgrave, 32, continued his message, noting that his mounting legal and financial issues have been heightened due to an expired visa.
“The time and costs involved in the legal investigation and potential court proceedings are difficult for me to cover on a privately funded basis. This is especially challenging because my UK Visa has expired, preventing me from working as a professional ice hockey player while I continue to need legal assistance,” his message continued in part.
Johnson — a forward with the Nottingham Panthers and one-time member of NHL’s Pittsburgh Penguins — died at 29 on Oct. 28, 2023 during a game against the Steelers.
At the time, the BBC reported the Challenge Cup match between the two teams at Sheffield Arena was called off due to a “major medical emergency” that happened in the 35th minute of the game.
In video from the game, Petgrave’s skate blade is shown making contact with Johnson’s neck after landing a hit.
Johnson was treated on the ice and then transported to Sheffield’s Northern General Hospital, where he was later pronounced dead.
Less than a month later, on Nov. 14, 2023, UK authorities announced that the man who was arrested on suspicion of manslaughter in connection with Johnson’s death had been released on bail.
“Our investigation continues and we will provide further updates as and when we can,” a news release from the South Yorkshire Police Department said, while confirming the man was no longer in custody.
Currently, Petgrave’s crowdfunding campaign has raised over $12,000.
