Adam Johnson’s family calls Matt Petgrave “reckless”

After the tragic death of player Adam Johnson during an ice hockey game on Saturday, his family has spoken out, calling opposition player Matt Petgrave “reckless.”

Johnson was playing for the British hockey team the Nottingham Panthers when they went head-to-head with the Sheffield Steelers at the Utilita Arena in Sheffield on Saturday. In the 35th minute of the game Johnson, 29, collapsed on the ice after suffering a gash to the neck from 31-year-old Petgrave’s skate.

Johnson was helped towards the side of the rink following the collision, but he collapsed a few paces later. He was rushed to the hospital, where the neck injury proved to be fatal, with the Panthers announcing his death on Sunday.

His aunt, Kari Johnson, 62, has said that while she doesn’t think Petgrave intended to kill her nephew, his actions during the game were “reckless,” according to news reports.

Newsweek reached out to the Nottingham Panthers and the Sheffield Steelers for comment via email on Thursday.

Kari Johnson spoke out after the South Yorkshire Police said in a statement that it would “take some time” to complete its investigation into the player’s death.

“It was very reckless. I just want them [authorities investigating] to get it right. We are looking for justice for Adam,” she said.

Kari is said to have watched the “horrific tragedy” unfold while viewing the game at home with Johnson’s parents. She has seen the video hundreds of times in the days since, concluding that the action was “totally unnecessary.” Now she’s said the family is calling for a complete investigation.

“You don’t take your leg and kick somebody and cut their throat. I’m sorry,” she continued. “We were watching the game in real time and we did witness what happened. Horrific is the word to describe.”

While she said she understands that Petgrave would currently be going through a lot emotionally himself, he took the life of their beloved family member.

“My nephew was 6-feet 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,” she said. “I think the actions were unnecessary. It was just unnecessary. Nobody touched him. I’ve watched that video hundreds of times.”

She continued: “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.”

According to Kari, Johnson’s grieving parents, Sue and Davey Johnson, have been coping with the tragedy in different ways.

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 stated she wanted to make sure the police investigation was as comprehensive as possible, but she was ready to accept the outcome.

“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,” she said. “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.”