Adam Johnson’s grieving aunt calls for ‘justice’ and a ‘full investigation’ into the ‘reckless, horrific’ incident which saw an ice hockey opponent’s skate slit his throat
The aunt of ice hockey star Adam Johnson has called for ‘justice’ and a ‘full investigation’ into his death.
The 29-year-old American was playing for Nottingham Panthers at rival Sheffield Steelers on Saturday when he was reportedly struck by an opponent’s skate, fatally injuring him as his throat was slit open.
Around 8,000 fans watched in horror as attempts were made to save Johnson’s life as he lay bleeding on the ice at the Utilita Arena in Sheffield, protected by fellow players, before he later died from his injuries in hospital.
Earlier on Thursday, coroner’s officers confirmed that the investigation into Johnson’s death will open at 9am on Friday at the Medico-Legal Center in Sheffield, while South Yorkshire Police issued a statement saying their investigation would take some time can last.
And Johnson’s aunt, Kari, from her home in Minnesota – where Johnson grew up – called for a detailed investigation into the circumstances surrounding his death and questioned opposition player Matt Petgrave.
The aunt of ice hockey star Adam Johnson – who tragically died in a freak accident this weekend – has called for ‘justice’ and a ‘full investigation’ into his death
Adam Johnson, seen seconds before the bizarre incident at the Nutita Arena in Sheffield on Saturday
“It was very reckless,” she said YorkshireLive. ‘I just want them to do well. We seek justice for Adam.
‘(The maneuver was) completely unnecessary. We absolutely call for a full investigation. You don’t take your leg and kick someone and slit their throat. I’m sorry.
‘We watched the match live and witnessed what happened. Horrible is the word to describe it.
“My cousin was six feet tall, and whether you lost your balance or not, to raise that leg that high and make a kicking motion like he did, that’s 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 game, that’s not a check. I understand that every team necessarily has an enforcer on its team.’
She continued: “I’m sure Mr Petgrave probably hasn’t even thought about the consequences that could have, but there comes a point when you have to realize this isn’t hockey.
“And I’m sure he’s been through a lot too, but he took our boy with him. There are some of us in the family who think it was a totally unnecessary, very, very bad move.”
Kari went on to explain the impact the tragedy has had on their family and stressed that they were committed to conducting the most thorough investigation possible.
She added: “I would have to say his mother has probably been the strongest of us. But deep down I don’t know if she’s in shock or crying when she’s alone. She’s just been really strong.
“As for his dad and my brother, he’s just a mess. Together with Adam’s grandmother and Adam’s brother and myself.
‘I just want them to do well. It won’t bring my cousin back. We just want to make sure they get it right. If they go against my feelings, I will have to accept that.
“But I felt all along that it was very, very reckless and unnecessary. It cost a life. I don’t want to see it for anyone else.
Several tributes have been paid to Johnson since his death and Kari insisted this was a testament to what a popular and brilliant person he was, as she said: ‘He was just a great young man. He loved everyone, he was kind to everyone. He was generous. He was a great kid.
‘He loved everything he did. He wanted to be the best at everything he did, but he didn’t want any of the fan fair. He was modest. He just wanted to be good at it – whatever it was – and move on to the next thing.
A noticeboard with a tribute to Johnson outside the Motorpoint Arena in Nottingham
Several tributes have been paid to Johnson, while flowers and memorials have also been laid
“We knew what a great boy Adam was, but we are now discovering since his passing how many lives he touched.”
As well as tributes, a sea of flowers have been laid at Sheffield’s Utilita Arena and Nottingham’s Motorpoint Arena in Johnson’s memory.
On Wednesday, the Panthers invited fans from all clubs to attend Motorpoint Arena in Nottingham to celebrate the former NHL player on November 4.
The Panthers have also announced the creation of an official fundraising page to raise money for the Love for Hibbing and Hockey Memorial Fund, established in Johnson’s memory.