U.S. hockey player Matt Petgrave has been re-bailed until May following his arrest on suspicion of manslaughter over the death of Adam Johnson.
Nottingham Panthers player Johnson, 29, died after being cut in the neck by a skate during a Challenge Cup match against the Sheffield Steelers on October 28, 2023, in what his club labelled a “freak accident”.
In an unorthodox decision that raises questions over how far players should be held responsible for accidents such as this in sport, Petgrave was arrested on suspicion of manslaughter in November 2023. He was later bailed and South Yorkshire Police confirmed he has now been re-bailed until May 29 2025.
The investigation into the circumstances of Johnson’s death remains ongoing.
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A South Yorkshire Police statement read: “Any further updates or developments in this investigation ahead of the new bail expiry date will be issued proactively on our website.
“Our thoughts remain with Adam’s family and friends.”
Petgrave has never been named by UK police but a crowdfunding account purporting to belong to him was launched in December to help him fight the allegations of manslaughter.
Petgrave was told to remain in the United Kingdom while the investigation was conducted. That bail has since been extended eight times — February 9, April 25, May 14, June 26, September 2, November 11, January 20 and most recently on February 28.
A message posted by an account claiming to be him on CrowdJustice — an online platform where individuals or groups can appeal for money to fund legal action — reads: “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.”
The message on the CrowdJustice page also claims that Petgrave is unable to work in the UK while he awaits a resolution to the police investigation.
The Athletic has been unable to contact Petgrave to confirm whether the page is genuine.
(Joe Sargent/NHLI via Getty Images)
