Ice hockey player Matt Petgrave (right) was arrested Monday and charged with manslaughter in the death of American hockey player Adam Johnson.
Johnson, 29, died minutes after his neck was sliced open by Petgrave’s skate during a collision in a match against the Sheffield Steelers in England on October 28.
Video shows Petgrave collide with Johnson, then raise his leg in a seemingly deliberate slashing motion.
Johnson got up and skated a few feet away before collapsing again on the ice. He was pronounced dead on arrival at a hospital.
A coroner ruled the manner of Johnson’s death was a homicide caused by “fatal neck injury.”
Petgrave was arrested a day after 8,000 hockey fans stood and cheered a photo of him at the Sheffield Steelers’ first match since the tragic incident.
Petgrave wasn’t in the arena, but fans cheered as his picture flashed on the big screen before the match.
Americans were furious. They believe Petgrave intentionally killed Johnson with his skate.
According to DailyMail.com, South Yorkshire Police released a statement confirming that Petgrave remains in police custody after his arrest.
“Detectives have today (Tuesday November 14) arrested a man on suspicion of manslaughter. He remains in police custody at this time,” the statement read.
Hockey’s governing body EIHL said they will not make neck guards mandatory but they will “strongly encourage” players and officials to wear them following Johnson’s death.
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