No Charges, No Closure? Adam Johnson's death leaves fans demanding justice

It was supposed to be just another night of ice hockey. But on October 28, 2023, something went horribly wrong. Adam Johnson, a 29-year-old American player for the Nottingham Panthers, suffered a fatal neck injury during a game against the Sheffield Steelers. A skate blade caught his throat during a collision and within moments, he was gone. The arena fell silent, fans were in shock, and the video of the incident quickly spread across the world.
For many, this wasn’t just a freak accident, it was a moment that demanded answers. Now, after months of waiting, British prosecutors have announced: no charges will be filed.


Matt Petgrave, the Sheffield player involved in the collision, was arrested on suspicion of manslaughter two weeks after the game. Though his name wasn’t released by police, Petgrave confirmed he was under investigation in a fundraiser for his legal costs.
After a long review, the Crown Prosecution Service said this week there’s not enough evidence for a conviction. “No realistic prospect,” they said. So that’s it, case closed.
But for many fans and Johnson’s loved ones, it doesn’t feel right. The video shows Petgrave’s skate lifting unusually high before it struck Johnson. Some call it bad luck. Others believe it was reckless, maybe even avoidable.
Even some of Johnson’s teammates have spoken out. Victor Björkung, who passed the puck to Johnson moments before the accident, defended Petgrave, saying it wasn’t intentional. Still, he was so shaken by what he saw that he left the team.
And what about Johnson’s fiancée, Ryan Wolfe? They were building a life together. He was studying at Loughborough Business School while chasing his hockey dreams in the UK. Now she’s left without answers, just grief and memories.

In response to Johnson’s death, neck guards are now required in English ice hockey. It’s a step forward, but it came too late. It often takes tragedy to push change but should it?
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Adam Johnson lost his life doing what he loved. But now that the investigation is over, many are left asking, if no one is to blame, where does that leave justice?