01 November 2023 , 12:09
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The family of an ice hockey player whose neck was slashed has demanded a "complete investigation into his death after watching the "horrific tragedy" unfold thousands of miles away
Aunt Kari Johnson, 62, insisted she did not think that opposition player Matt Petgrave, 31, had intended to kill her 'amazing' nephew Adam Johnson, 29. However, she described Petgrave's actions during the Nottingham Panthers versus Sheffield Steelers game on Saturday night as 'reckless.'
She spoke out as South Yorkshire Police issued a statement saying its investigation into Adam's death could take some time.
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Adam's family were watching thousands of miles away (SWNS)
Adam's throat was fatally slashed during a game (SWNS)Steelers player Petgrave is said to have been left 'devastated' by the incident in which Johnson's carotid artery was severed by a skate blade. Speaking from her home in Kelly Lake, Minnesota, Kari said: "It was very reckless. I just want them to get it right. We are looking for justice for Adam."
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It comes as police investigating the death said their probe would "take some time" and officers have now left the scene at Sheffield's Utilita Arena.
Nottingham Panthers' player Adam, 29, was cut on the rink on Saturday as 8,000 fans watched on in horror as he bled profusely on the ice. He briefly stood up and tried to skate off, but collapsed again before he was rushed to hospital where he later died of his injuries.
Kari said she had been watching the game with Adam’s mum and dad at home in Kelly Lake, Minnesota, and had witnessed the “horrific tragedy” unfold together.
Tributes have laid to the ice hockey star (SWNS)And in the days since she has reviewed the footage hundreds of times and come to the conclusion that the manoeuvre was “totally unnecessary”. Kari said: “We are absolutely calling for a complete investigation.
Kari said she was prepared to accept the result of the police's investigation but wanted to ensure their probe was as thorough as possible. She said: "I just want them to get it right. It's not going to bring my nephew back. We just want to make sure they get it right.
Nottingham Panthers' player Adam was cut on the rink on Saturday as 8,000 fans watched on in horror as he bled profusely on the ice (SWNS)"If they find against what I feel, I will have to accept that. But I've felt throughout it's very, very reckless and unnecessary. It took a life. I don't want to see it for someone else."
Kari also said she would support the mandatory wearing of neck protection in ice hockey games in the future. She went on: "Absolutely, my entire family would go along with that 100%."
Kari said Adam, who grew up in Grand Rapids, Minnesota, had been thinking about giving up hockey before he got the opportunity to play for the Panthers in the UK.
She said the star, who previously played for the Pittsburgh Penguins, in the NHL, was preparing to “hang up his skates” and complete his degree in finance. But he believed his stint playing for the British side would help him with his plans to go on and gain a master’s degree.
Kari said: “He was kind of torn. I think Adam was kind of coming to the realisation that it was time to move on, hang up his skates, and move on. “He was going to finish his college degree and work on his master's. And then he had this opportunity to come over to England and play.
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“They offered to help him work towards his masters, and I think that was a big part of it. He really wanted to finish and get his degree and move on, and I think that helped him make the decision."
The family have demanded an investigation into Adam's death (SWNS)
The family were watching thousands of miles away (SWNS)Kari said Adam's distraught dad, Davey Johnson, and mum, Sue, were dealing with the tragedy in different ways since the incident. She added: “I would have to say his mother has probably been the strongest of us.
"But I don't know deep down inside if she’s in shock or crying when she’s alone. She’s just been very strong.
“As far as his dad, my brother, he’s just been a mess. Along with Adam’s grandma and Adam’s brother and myself." Kari said the response they had received since the death of Adam had demonstrated how many people he had touched throughout his life.
She said: “He was just a wonderful young man. He loved everybody, he was kind to everybody. He was generous. He was an amazing kid.
“He loved everything he did. He wanted to be the best at everything he took on but he didn’t want any of the fan fair. He was humble. He just wanted to be good at it – whatever it was – and move on to next thing.
Flowers and tributes for Adam have come from all across the world (SWNS)“We knew what a great kid Adam was, but we’re finding out now since his passing how many lives he touched.”
South Yorkshire Police said its officers had been at the scene since Saturday conducting inquiries, including speaking to witnesses and experts. In a statement, the force said officers had now left the scene, but their investigation remains ongoing.
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 inquiries 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.
The incident happened on Saturday night (SWNS)"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 inquiries and will provide updates when appropriate. "Our thoughts remain with the loved ones of all those affected"
The grisly death has rocked the sport and led to calls for neck guards to be made mandatory for professional players in the UK. A sea of flowers and tributes have been left at Sheffield's Utilita Arena and Nottingham's Motorpoint Arena in memory of Adam.
The tragedy had sickening echos of former NHL goalie Clint Malarchuk’s harrowing near-fatal injury when he was struck in the neck by a skate blade in 1989. Malarchuk lost 1.5 litres of blood and it took doctors a total of 300 stitches to close the 6ins (15 cm) wound in his neck.
Speaking to The Athletic, Malarchuk said he hoped all those involved in the incident were receiving counselling for their shock. He said: "I really feel just terrible for his family. I never processed anything.
“I never told anybody about my fears or what I might be feeling. What I hope is that maybe people will get some counseling. “PTSD is real. Don’t go undiagnosed for 20 years, like me.”