Matt Petgrave begs for help more than a year after skate death of Adam Johnson

In November of last year, Matt Petgrave was arrested on suspicion of manslaughter in the death of Adam Johnson, whose neck was cut by a skate during a game that took place in October 2023.

The tragic story of Johnsson began when the poor 29-year-old of the Nottingham Panthers against the Sheffield Steelers was struck by an opponent’s skate blade in the Elite Ice Hockey League game at Sheffield’s home arena in central England on Oct, 28.

During the play, Johnson can be seen skating with the puck toward the Steelers’ net. Petgrave skates toward Johnson and collides with one of his teammates. Then upon the collision, Petgrave’s left skate kicks up as he falls and the blade hits Johnson in the neck. Johnsson got up on his own and was helped off the ice, his jersey is covered in blood.

Johnsson unfortunately died as a result of a fatal neck injury. Petgrave was released on bail and has struggled not only with the terrible incident, but all the consequences that have emerged from the pending trial. He is now asking for help, according to a page on CrowdJustice, a U.K. crowdfunding platform that helps individuals and groups to fund legal action.

The defenseman recently revealed details of his ongoing legal ordeal and put out a public plea for donations to cover his mounting legal fees. He is facing a criminal investigation for manslaughter.

In post titled “assistance needed for legal costs regarding allegation of manslaughter,” Petgrave wrote that he is “seeking help to cover some of my legal costs following an ice hockey accident in 2023.” He went on to explain that his visa has expired which means that he can no longer earn money playing hockey, and therefore he no longer benefits from any insurance.

“On Oct. 28, 2023, 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.”

He made sure to thank those who have supported him since the incident, saying that the support “has been invaluable to me and my family during this incredibly difficult time.”

“Additionally, 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 U.K. Visa has expired, preventing me from working as a professional ice hockey player while I continue to need legal assistance.

“I am seeking help to cover some of my legal costs whilst I am subject to police bail, as well as additional costs if the matter proceeds to criminal court. Any remaining funds will be donated to initiatives that promote safety in hockey.”

When the investigation was first launched, Johnson’s family had chosen to step back to allow the legal process to play out. They originally supported Petgrave in the immediate aftermath of what they described as a terrible accident.

In South Yorkshire Police’s most recent public statement on the case, on November 11, detective chief inspector Benjamin Wood said: “We have been working meticulously to fully understand the unprecedented circumstances in which Adam sadly lost his life.

“This complex investigation into Adam’s death remains ongoing and we are continuing to work closely with the Crown Prosecution Service. Our thoughts remain wholeheartedly with Adam’s family at this time.”

What a sad story and how it is unfolding. Petgrave is no only dealing with the trauma from the incident, but is also struggling financially to prove he is innoncent in this terrible freak accident.