Man arrested over fatal collision with hockey player Adam Johnson won't be charged
The man arrested over a fatal collision with ice hockey player Adam Johnson won't be charged.
Johnson died of a neck injury in October 2023 when playing for the Nottingham Panthers against The Sheffield Steelers. Following the incident, a fellow professional ice hockey player was arrested on suspicion of manslaughter.
From Minnesota, 29-year-old Johnson was rushed to hospital but sadly died after the fatal collision during the match, as more than 8,000 fans watched on.
Witnesses at the time said players from both teams quickly formed a ring around him at Sheffield's Utilita Arena.
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As the decision was made today (29 April) for no criminal charges to be brought agains the man, Michael Quinn, Deputy Chief Crown Prosecutor, said: “This was a shocking and deeply upsetting incident."
He continued: "The CPS and South Yorkshire Police have worked closely together to determine whether any criminal charges should be brought against the other ice hockey player involved.
“Following a thorough police investigation and a comprehensive review of all the evidence by the CPS, we have concluded that there is not a realistic prospect of conviction for any criminal offence and so there will not be a prosecution. Our thoughts remain with the family and friends of Adam Johnson.”
Speaking at the Memorial Building Arena in Minnesota after the incident, Johnson's partner, Ryan Wolfe, said: "There's so many things I could say about Adam and if I had the time I would talk about him for hours, but instead I wanted to write him a letter similar to something I would've written him for our wedding day.
"I want you to know how much I love you and adore you. You have been so amazingly supportive and kind to me since the day we met and I couldn't be more grateful for it.
"I always thought that maybe if I was lucky enough after a lifetime together I might start to be more like you.
"You're such a special person, you had the best sense of humour, the biggest heart, the quickest wit and the kindest soul."
Jess Battison