Adam Johnson died from a skate cut – Counter-player Matt Petgrave ended more than a year of silence

Adam Johnson, who also played in the NHL, died at the age of 29 in October 2023. ZumaWire / MVPHOTOS

Canadian ice hockey player Matt Petgrave32, has commented by Adam Johnson death to the public for the first time.

Johnson, of the United States, died in October 2023 during a hockey game between the Sheffield Steelers and the Nottingham Panthers of the English EIHL league, when Petgrave’s skate sliced ​​open his neck.

News agency AP says that in December, Petgrave raised money on a fundraising website for himself to pay for the legal process.

“On October 28, 2023, I was involved in a tragic accident that resulted in the death of my teammate Adam Johnson,” Petgrave said in a statement on the fundraising website.

– The police investigation is ongoing, and the legal process has been long and challenging.

– I am asking for help with part of the costs of the legal process while I am free on bail. In addition, I am asking for help with additional costs if the matter goes to court. All unused funds will be donated to activities that promote hockey safety.

According to Petgrave, it is difficult for him to cover the costs because his visa has expired and therefore he cannot work as a professional hockey player.

According to AP, Petgrave had received donations of almost 12,000 euros by Christmas.

The English police have announced that they are investigating the incident that led to Johnson’s death and have repeatedly released the man suspected of the crime on bail. Police have not released Petgrave’s name.

Petgrave is suspected of a crime under the title manslaughterfor which there is no corresponding criminal title in Finland. Professor of criminal and procedural law Matti Tolvanen estimated for Iltalehte in November 2023 that the title would probably correspond to capital murder or aggravated capital murder in Finland. In addition, according to Tolvanen, gross negligence could also be involved.