British prosecutors announced that Matt Petgrave, a hockey player arrested on suspicion of manslaughter after the death of fellow player Adam Johnson, will not face charges. The incident occurred during a Nottingham Panthers-Sheffield Steelers game in October 2023, when Petgrave's skate inadvertently sliced Johnson's neck, leading to his death. Despite public speculation on social media regarding the intentionality of the collision, Johnson's teammates defended Petgrave, asserting the accident was not deliberate. In response to the tragedy, the English Ice Hockey Association mandated neck protection for all players, effective from 2024 onward. The Pittsburgh Penguins, for whom Johnson played 13 games, expressed condolences and honored his memory following the incident.

Matt Petgrave was involved in a tragic incident during a Nottingham Panthers-Sheffield Steelers hockey game in October 2023, where his skate accidentally sliced Adam Johnson's neck, resulting in Johnson's death.

Following a thorough investigation by the South Yorkshire Police and the Crown Prosecution Service (CPS), it was determined that there was no realistic prospect of convicting Petgrave for any criminal offense.

The CPS described the situation as 'a shocking and deeply upsetting incident,' and after reviewing all evidence, decided not to pursue charges against Petgrave.

Despite debates on social media about whether the collision was intentional, Johnson's teammates supported Petgrave, insisting that the incident was accidental and not deliberate.

In the wake of the tragedy, the English Ice Hockey Association swiftly mandated neck protection for all players, starting in 2024, to enhance safety measures on the ice.

Adam Johnson, who played for the Pittsburgh Penguins in the NHL, was honored by the team and the wider hockey community, who mourned his untimely death and offered condolences to his family and friends.

Petgrave, after his arrest, initiated a crowdfunding campaign for legal fees, highlighting the financial and emotional toll the incident and subsequent investigation had on him.