Adam Johnson dead: Family calls for Matt Petgrave police investigation, Sean Avery claims murder

The tragic death of former NHL player Adam Johnson has been described as “murder”.

The extraordinary comment from an American TV presenter comes as heartbroken family members on Wednesday made public calls for the death to be thoroughly investigated by police.

The developments came as local South Yorkshire Police provided new details on the lines of inquiries it is investigating.

The world was shocked on Sunday when it emerged Johnson, 29, had died after a collision with rival player Matt Petgrave during an Elite Ice Hockey League (EIHL) match in the UK.

Johnson, a player on the Nottingham Panthers, had his throat slashed by Petgrave’s skate in traumatic scenes that unfolded in front of a crowd of around 8000 at Sheffield’s Utilita Arena.

Fans, who had seen the incident described as “one in a million” said Petgrave was “absolutely distraught” as the incident unfolded.

Footage of the tragedy emerged on Tuesday with one viral video showing Petgrave appeared to lift his leg with a kicking motion towards Johnson’s upper body.

Petgrave has since been the victim of a barrage of social media attacks with some Twitter users accusing him of deliberately injuring his opposition player.

Petgrave is a known enforcer and leads the EIHL in penalty minutes, according to the Toronto Sun.

American TV host Jesse Walters has poured fuel on the fire by suggesting to a former NHL star on live TV that Petgrave’s action “looked like murder”.

Former New York Rangers star Sean Avery responded to the murder claim, saying: “That’s a pretty dangerous word to be throwing around,” Avery responded. “I’ve watched it, it’s terrible, it’s tough to watch. Did this kid make a move that was very unorthodox? Do I think he was trying to make contact of some sort? Absolutely.

“Do I think he woke up and said, ‘I’m going to murder somebody today?’ No.”

Johnson fell to the floor following the horror collision and was briefly helped towards the side of the rink by a teammate before collapsing.

Players formed a ring around Johnson to allow him privacy as he received emergency medical treatment, while his partner also ran onto the ice following the incident.

He was rushed to hospital from the Utilita Arena in Sheffield, but a Panthers club statement the next morning confirmed he had died of his injuries.

As first reported by The Sun, Johnson’s family has spoken publicly for the first time to appeal to police to provide justice.

Grieving aunt Kari Johnson, 62, insisted she did not think Petgrave, 31, had intended to kill her nephew.

However, she commented that Petgrave’s actions during the game were “reckless”.

Speaking from her home in Kelly Lake, Minnesota, Kari said in her opinion: “It was very reckless. I just want them to get it right. We are looking for justice for Adam.”

Kari said she had been watching the game with Adam’s mum and dad at home and had witnessed the “horrific tragedy” unfold together.

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.

“You don’t take your leg and kick somebody and cut their throat. I’m sorry.

“We were watching the game in real-time and we did witness what happened. Horrific is the word to describe.

“My nephew was 6ft tall, and whether you lost your balance or not, to have that leg come up that high and do a kicking motion like he did, that is just unacceptable.

“I think the actions were unnecessary. It was just unnecessary. Nobody touched him. I’ve watched that video hundreds of times.

“That’s not a hockey play, that’s not a check. I understand that every team has an enforcer, per se, on their team.

“I’m sure Mr Petgrave probably didn’t even think about the consequences could be of that happening, but there comes a time when you have to realise, that’s not hockey.

“And I’m sure he’s going through a lot too, but he took our boy. There are a few of us in the family that think it was a totally unnecessary, very, very bad action to take.”

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.

“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.”

South Yorkshire Police have since confirmed investigators have been reviewing footage of the incident.

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.

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“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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