British authorities won't file charges in death of Minnesotan hockey player Adam Johnson

Johnson was skating up the ice when he was hit in the neck by the skate blade of Matt Petgrave during an Elite Hockey League game. He was pronounced dead that same day, with officials arresting Petgrave 17 days later on suspicion of manslaughter. 

The CPS began investigating the case in May 2024 alongside South Yorkshire Police, which issued its findings Tuesday in a release that said "extensive enquiries, including reviewing footage, interviewing witnesses and consulting with highly-specialised experts from North America, were carried out."

"Adam Johnson's death has left a lasting impact that was felt through many communities, from Sheffield residents to ice hockey fans across the globe," said South Yorkshire Police Detective Chief Inspector Benjamin Wood.

"Following Adam's tragic death, we have worked tirelessly to fully investigate the unprecedented circumstances that took place at the Utilia Arena in October 2023," Wood continued. "While our investigation has now concluded, our thoughts remain wholeheartedly with Adam's family, and everyone who has been affected by this devastating tragedy."

The Nottingham Panthers Hockey Club recently retired Johnson’s No. 47 jersey in a ceremony attended by Johnson's family. 

Johnson was a Mr. Hockey finalist in 2012-13 at Hibbing High School and later starred for two seasons at the University of Minnesota-Duluth, where in 2017 he scored the winning goal in overtime to lead the Bulldogs to the Frozen Four. He played for the Pittsburgh Penguins in the NHL and in the American Hockey League before his move to Europe.