Adam Johnson and Matt Petgrave Hockey Accident / Murder Controversy

Overview

The Adam Johnson and Matt Petgrave Hockey Accident or Adam Johnson Murder Controversy refers to the death of hockey player Adam Johnson, who, on October 28th, 2023, had his throat slashed during a game by Sheffield Steelers player Matt Petgrave after an on-ice collision, resulting in his death in the hospital later that night. The circumstances surrounding Johnson's death inspired speculation and controversy online, with some believing the incident to be an accident caused by Petgrave slipping, while others believed Petgrave kicked his leg intentionally to try and make an impact on Johnson. The video of Johnson getting cut by the skate's blade quickly went viral on social media as the story spread. Following Johnson's death, the English Ice Hockey Association announced it would be mandatory to wear a neck guard going forward. Purportedly, police also began investigating the death in the days following. On November 14th, while the investigation continued, Petgrave was arrested on suspicion of manslaughter in relation to the incident, but not charged.

Background

On October 28th, 2023, the Nottingham Panthers played a hockey game against the Sheffield Steelers at the Utilita Arena in Sheffield, England. At one point in the game, Panthers player Adam Johnson had an on-ice collision with Steelers player Matt Petgrave. The collision saw Petgrave lift his leg into the air and slash Johnson's throat (shown below). It is unclear if he was trying to check, trip or otherwise physically slow down Johnson.

It has been speculated from the video that Petgrave was attempting to dodge a check from another player when he collided with Johnson. Following the impact, Johnson got up from the ice and was escorted to the bench while bleeding from his neck. Later that night, Johnson then succumbed to his injuries in the hospital.^[1]

JUST IN: Police are investigating the death of hockey player Adam Johnson after he got slashed in the neck by opposing team member Matt Petgrave's skate.

Online social media users are split on whether the kick was intentional or an accident.

It is currently not completely clear… pic.twitter.com/7kJRFzPilr

— Collin Rugg (@CollinRugg) October 30, 2023

Developments

Aftermath

Over the following hours and days, Adam Johnson's death resulted in numerous tributes to the hockey player online, as well as a fundraiser to support his family.^[2] The Nottingham Panthers posted a statement on his death to X^[3] on October 29th, 2023, celebrating and mourning him (shown below). That day, the Telegraph^[4] reported that Petgrave, who was purportedly "devastated" over the incident, was receiving hate mail over Johnson's death.

Police Investigation

On October 30th, 2023, Yahoo! Sports^[5] reported that police were investigating the death of Johnson following speculation that there was a potential criminal element to the incident. According to the article, the South Yorkshire Police were immediately called following the event and began investigating. The article features a quote from criminal defense attorney Craig Mordock on whether or not the incident was criminal, showing some doubt, quoted as saying:

“[Petgrave] does look like he thrusts his leg and skate. It does look like he kicks at Johnson, but did he knowingly try to injure Johnson? It would all go to intent. The intent to injure. That would be very difficult to prove unless there were comments on the ice or before the game about wanting to ‘get’ the guy. Intent can be formed in an instant, but this play is happening very quickly.

Pittsburgh Penguins Tribute

On October 30th, 2023, the NHL YouTube^[12] channel uploaded a video of the Pittsburgh Penguins honoring the life of Adam Johnson before a game, garnering over 85,000 views in a day (shown below).

Matt Petgrave Arrest

On November 14th, 2023, BBC^[13] reported that Matt Petgrave was arrested on suspicion of manslaughter in relation to the incident, with the investigation still ongoing.

Online Reactions

Speculation / Theories

Following Adam Johnson's death, the video showing him having his throat cut went viral online as people shared their opinions on the incident. While some believed it was an accident, others speculated that Petgrave's kick was intentional. For example, on October 29th, 2023, X^[6] user @Jamesmk2010 shared the clip, writing, "Adam Johnson Ice hockey Injury. This was kung-fu kick by the guy in red. RIP," garnering over 28,000 likes in two days (shown below, left).

That day, X^[7] user @MrSilversmith made a post suggesting Petgrave's race had to do with a perceived lack of backlash against him, writing, "Matt Petgrave (black hockey player) Straight up murdered a guy (Adam Johnson) on the ice and there is no outrage because Matt is black. Wtf. Ban and jail immediately!" garnering over 3,400 likes in two days (shown below, right). On October 30th, X^[8] user @Cameronb_58 posted his take reading, "he clearly lifted his leg to hit him," which garnered over 2,100 likes in a day.

On October 31st, the Daily Mail^[9] reported that ex-NHL player Sean Avery believed that Petgrave was trying to make contact with Johnson, but not that he tried to kill him, quoted as saying that murder is a "pretty dangerous word to be throwing around," continuing:

"Did this kid make a move that was very unorthodox? Do I think he was trying to make contact of some sort? Absolutely. Do I think he woke up and said I'm going to murder somebody today? No. I saw the hit… I saw the leg move. It shouldn't have been where it was. It's terrible. I can't even watch the video back."

That same day, X^[10] user @wayotworld posted the video, also suggesting that Petgrave is being "protected" because he's Black, writing, "Petgrave has a history of violence against other players. Before any investigation, the antiwhite media unanimously called it a 'freak accident,' and this same media is still trying to protect the attacker. Does this look like an accident to you?" garnering over 2,000 likes in under a day.

Meme Reactions

The incident also inspired memes, largely continuing the speculation about the incident being a murder. For example, on October 30th, 2023, X^[11] user @MostlyPeacefull posted a meme, writing, "All I’m saying is Adam Johnson’s death didn’t look like a freak hockey accident to me," garnering over 1,100 likes in a day (shown below).

Search Interest

External References