Tragic ice hockey star's team-mate issues response to "mistaken" death claims
One of Adam Johnson's team-mates has insisted the whole Nottingham Panthers club stands behind Matt Petgrave, who inadvertently slashed the ice hockey star's throat.
Johnson was fatally injured on Saturday night as his Panthers side faced the Sheffield Steelers. Petgrave collided with Johnson, with his skates slashing the latter's neck, which proved to be a fatal injury.
South Yorkshire Police are investigating the incident as a matter of routine. Petgrave has also received appalling levels of abuse in the aftermath, despite both clubs branding the incident a "freak accident".
Now, Johnson's team-mate Westin Michaud has insisted that Petgrave should not be blamed. He believes his actions were "unintentional" and any suggestions otherwise are misguided.
"I need to address something about the accident. We wholeheartedly stand with Matt Petgrave. The hate that Matt is receiving is terrible and completely uncalled for. I was at ice level on the bench closest to the accident, I saw both players moving fast," Michaud tweeted.
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"The unintentional clip of the Panther player's leg by the Sheffield player caused the somersault. It's clear to me his actions were unintentional and anyone suggesting otherwise is mistaken. Let's come together and not spread unwarranted hate to someone who needs our support."
Michaud's fellow grieving team-mate Victor Björkung added: "They can go to hell quite frankly [people who believe it was deliberate]. It's so insane that people think it's deliberate. Check the video, then you will see it is an accident. Two skates collide right before, it happens so damn fast.
Westin Michaud, a team-mate of Adam Johnson, has leapt to the defence of Matt Petgrave (David Kirouac/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images)"There is no chance that it is deliberate. What I can say to those who believes otherwise is listen to those who were there and those who saw it in real time. I was a couple of metres away, so if anyone experienced it as it really was, then it was me.
Johnson's aunt has said the tragic star's family will accept whatever the outcome of the investigation is. Officers from South Yorkshire Police have reviewed video footage and have spoken to witnesses.
They have now left the Utilita Arena in Sheffield, where the game was being played. But the force has said that the investigation may take some time to complete.
A spokesman said: "Our investigation into the death of a player following a Sheffield Steelers versus Nottingham Panthers game at the Utilita Arena in Sheffield on Saturday 28 October remains ongoing.
"Since Saturday, detectives have been carrying out a range of enquiries including reviewing footage, talking to witnesses and seeking the advice and support of highly specialised experts to seek to understand the circumstances surrounding what happened.
"We have also been working closely with the health and safety department at Sheffield City Council, which is supporting our investigation. As with all unexpected and sudden deaths, it is standard practice for police to investigate the circumstances fully and feedback our findings to HM Coroner.
"Our officers have now left the scene, however due to the complex nature of this tragic and unprecedented incident, it is likely the wider investigation will take some time.
"We continue to encourage the public to avoid speculation, including on social media, while we continue our enquiries and will provide updates when appropriate. Our thoughts remain with the loved ones of all those affected."
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