Hockey player Matt Petgrave has described the death of Adam Johnson as a tragic accident while appealing for donations to cover his legal expenses amidst an ongoing police investigation. The incident occurred over a year ago during a game in Sheffield, England, where Johnson, a former player for the Pittsburgh Penguins, tragically lost his life after his neck was cut by Petgrave's skate in a collision between the two opponents.
Petgrave initiated a crowdfunding campaign on a UK-based platform and has managed to raise nearly 10,000 pounds ($12,500) to support his legal costs. The individual who was arrested on suspicion of manslaughter in connection with Johnson's death remains under investigation by South Yorkshire Police, with no criminal charges filed as of now.
In a statement on CrowdJustice, Petgrave, a 32-year-old Canadian defenseman for the Sheffield Steelers, expressed the challenges he has faced throughout the legal process following the accident. He emphasized the need for financial assistance to cover his legal expenses during the police bail period and potentially for any future court proceedings.
CrowdJustice, the crowdfunding platform used by Petgrave, confirmed that all necessary checks had been completed for his campaign, ensuring that the raised funds would be directed to the designated lawyer's account. The funds not utilized for legal costs will be donated to initiatives promoting safety in hockey, in accordance with CrowdJustice's policy on unused funds.
The tragic incident involving Johnson and Petgrave led to significant changes within the UK's Elite Ice Hockey League, with the implementation of mandatory neck guards for players starting from January 1st, following Johnson's untimely death. Johnson, a 29-year-old forward playing for the Nottingham Panthers at the time of the accident, was remembered as a promising player who was pursuing studies at Loughborough Business School and engaged to his partner, Ryan Wolfe.
Petgrave highlighted the financial strain caused by the legal proceedings, especially due to the expiration of his UK visa, which has prevented him from continuing his professional ice hockey career. Despite initially having insurance coverage, Petgrave's statement indicated that the support was discontinued, leaving him in need of assistance to navigate the legal complexities surrounding the incident.
The tragic accident has had a lasting impact on both the hockey community and the individuals involved, underscoring the importance of safety measures and legal support in professional sports.
