Controversy rages over fatal Adam Johnson hit as video surfaces
Video of the tragic collision that resulted in Adam Johnson’s death has led to speculation over the intent of the player who hit him.
According to multiple reports, Matt Petgrave — the player whose skate came up and fatally cut Johnson’s neck — has dealt with a torrent of social media attacks since the incident.
The play occurred Saturday in a game between Johnson’s Nottingham Panthers and Petgrave’s Sheffield Steelers in England’s Elite Ice Hockey League (EIHL).
Police are investigating the circumstances of the 29-year-old’s death, which was described as a “freak accident” by the Panthers.
The low-quality video stream shows Petgrave, 31, bumping into another player and his skate going up in the air and hitting Johnson.
Petgrave is a journeyman enforcer and leads the EIHL in penalty minutes, according to the Toronto Sun.
He most recently played in the Czech Republic.
Fox News host Jesse Watters said in an interview with ex-Ranger Sean Avery that the play looked like “murder” to him.
“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.”
Westin Michaud was a teammate of Johnson’s and came to the defense of Petgrave on X.
“I need to address something about the accident. We wholeheartedly stand with Matt Petgrave,” wrote Michaud.
“The hate that Matt is receiving is terrible and completely uncalled for. I was at ice level on the bench closest to the accident, I saw both players moving fast.”
“The unintentional clip of the Panther player’s leg by the Sheffield player caused the somersault. It’s clear to me his actions were unintentional and anyone suggesting otherwise is mistaken. Let’s come together and not spread unwarranted hate to someone who needs our support.”
Johnson, a Minnesota native, played parts of two seasons for the Pittsburgh Penguins between 2018-20 before going to Europe.
“It’s something that we’ve all been thinking about since finding out. Our thoughts and prayers are with his family and loved ones,” longtime Penguins star Sidney Crosby said.
“He’s just a great guy, great teammate. An awesome attitude when he was here.”
“Was just generally happy to be playing in the NHL. So it’s heartbreaking that that’s happened.”
