Adam Johnson’s family devastated over Matt Petgrave’s ‘reckless’ actions as cops give update on ice hockey star’s death
ADAM Johnson's family said they believe Matt Petgrave's actions may have been "reckless" as police today said they are continuing to probe his death.
The ice hockey star, 29, collapsed on the ice after suffering a gash to the neck when he was struck on Saturday night.
Johnson, a Nottingham Panthers forward, was briefly helped towards the side of the rink following the collision with Sheffield Steelers' Petgrave.
But he collapsed a few paces later and was raced to hospital where he tragically died.
Grieving aunt Kari Johnson, 62, insisted she did not think that opposition player Petgrave, 31, had intended to kill her "amazing" nephew.
However, she commented that Petgrave's actions during the game were "reckless".
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She spoke out as South Yorkshire Police issued a statement saying its investigation into Adam's death could take some time.
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 in her opinion: "It was very reckless. I just want them to get it right. We are looking for justice for Adam."
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.
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Adam was cut on the rink 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 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."
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 per cent."
Kari said Adam, who grew up in Grand Rapids 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.
"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."
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.
"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 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.
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"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."
