An ice hockey player who identified himself as the man arrested over the death of Nottingham Panthers’ star Adam Johnson has raised more than £13,000 towards his legal cost. Sheffield Steelers’ Matt Petgrave launched a crowdfunding campaign to pay some of his legal fees in December.
The fundraiser, hosted on fundraising platform Crowd Justice, has now closed after a total of £13,478 was pledged by 274 different people. Petgrave set a £300,000 target on the page.
Mr Johnson, 29, died after being hit in the neck by an opponent’s skate during an Elite Ice Hockey League Challenge Cup game between Sheffield Steelers and Nottingham Panthers on October 28, 2023. Mr Petgrave, from Canada, was arrested on suspicion of manslaughter in November 2023 and has been rebailed many times.
His bail is due to expire on Monday, January 20. On the Crowd Justice site, he described the legal process as “long and challenging”.
He added: “I want to express my deepest gratitude to everyone who has supported me, including my teammates, fellow players, and league personnel, who have stood by me from the beginning and continue to do so. Your support has been invaluable to me and my family during this incredibly difficult time.
“Initially, I had the benefit of insurance cover, but through no fault of my own, this has been halted. Additionally, the time and costs involved in the legal investigation and potential court proceedings are difficult for me to cover on a privately funded basis. This is especially challenging because my UK Visa has expired, preventing me from working as a professional ice hockey player while I continue to need legal assistance.
Adam Johnson in action for Nottingham Panthers
(Image: Panthers Images)
“I am seeking help to cover some of my legal costs whilst I am subject to Police bail, as well as additional costs if the matter proceeds to criminal court. Any remaining funds will be donated to initiatives that promote safety in hockey, via a CrowdJustice campaign in-line with their unused funds policy.”
An inquest into Mr Johnson’s death was opened and adjourned in 2023 by Sheffield’s senior coroner Tanyka Rawden. It was suspended until police investigations are completed and the coroner previously said she was “sufficiently concerned that deaths may occur in the future if neck guards or protectors are not worn”. Neck guards are now compulsory in the Elite League and all levels of ice hockey in the UK and a number of other countries, following calls from Nottinghamshire Live.