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Paramedics who attended to ice hockey player Adam Johnson after he sustained a fatal neck injury during a league game described the situation as “chaotic,” according to a coroner’s report. The incident occurred in October 2023 when Johnson, a 29-year-old American athlete playing for the Nottingham Panthers, was struck in the neck by the skate of Matt Petgrave from the opposing Sheffield Steelers. Johnson later succumbed to his injuries at a hospital following the Elite League match held at Sheffield Arena.
At a pre-inquest hearing, Sheffield’s senior coroner, Tanyka Rawden, expressed sympathy toward Johnson’s family, acknowledging how traumatic the event must have been for them. Evidence given by paramedics from the Yorkshire Ambulance Service painted a picture of confusion and difficulty in responding to the incident. One paramedic reportedly had to climb over barriers to reach the ice as no guidance was provided to direct emergency responders promptly. Coroner Rawden also highlighted concerns regarding the availability of blood supplies during the emergency treatment.
Johnson’s mother and fiancée joined the hearing remotely from the United States. Rawden expressed regret over the circumstances, stating, “I cannot imagine what life has been like for all of you since Adam died. It must have been horrific for all of you.” The Crown Prosecution Service had previously decided not to pursue criminal charges against the Canadian player Petgrave. At the hearing, Petgrave’s barrister informed that his client remains in Canada. The coroner is considering calling Petgrave and nine other players present at the match to give evidence, although none are currently in the UK.
The inquest into Johnson’s death is expected to last several weeks and is unlikely to be held within this year. Rawden indicated the inquest’s focus would be to investigate the cause of the injury, evaluate the medical provisions available at the arena, and assess whether the response to Johnson’s injury was appropriate and timely. Additionally, a prevention of future deaths report has been issued to Ice Hockey UK and the English Ice Hockey Association concerning the use of neck guards. The coroner underscored her concerns, urging that neck guards be worn to prevent future incidents, with compliance required within 56 days. Neck guards have been mandatory in the Elite League since January 1, 2024. A further pre-inquest review has been provisionally scheduled for late October
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