Crowdfunding account for Matt Petgrave launched amid Adam Johnson manslaughter investigation

A crowdfunding account purporting to belong to U.S. hockey participant Matt Petgrave has been launched to assist him combat allegations of manslaughter following the demise of Adam Johnson.

Petgrave has been on police bail ever since he was arrested on suspicion of manslaughter in November 2023 after Johnson’s demise the earlier month in a Problem Cup match at Sheffield’s Utilita Enviornment.

Nottingham Panthers participant Johnson, 29, died after being reduce within the neck by the skate of Petgrave, who was taking part in for Sheffield Steelers.

Petgrave was bailed by South Yorkshire Police after his preliminary arrest and advised to stay in the UK whereas the investigation was carried out. That bail has since been prolonged six occasions — February 9, April 25, Could 14, June 26, September 2 and, most just lately, November 11.

He’ll now be on bail till not less than January 20, 2025, by which era will probably be virtually 15 months since Johnson’s demise.

Petgrave has by no means been named by UK police, however an account claiming to be him on CrowdJustice — an internet platform the place people or teams can attraction for cash to fund authorized motion — has now been launched.

A message posted on the touchdown web page reads: “My identify is Matthew Petgrave, and I’ve been an expert ice hockey participant for the previous seven years.

“On October 28, 2023, I used to be concerned in a tragic accident that resulted within the passing of fellow ice hockey participant Adam Johnson.

“There’s an ongoing police investigation and the authorized course of has been lengthy and difficult.

“I’m in search of assist to cowl a few of my authorized prices while I’m topic to police bail, in addition to extra prices if the matter proceeds to prison courtroom. Any remaining funds can be donated to initiatives that promote security in hockey.”

Johnson died in October of final 12 months (Joe Sargent/NHLI through Getty Pictures)

The web page, which additionally says Petgrave has enlisted the companies of prison defence solicitors Burton Copeland, has raised greater than £2,200 on the time of writing.

The Athletic has been unable to contact Petgrave to verify whether or not the web page is real and Burton Copeland has been contacted for remark.

The message on the CrowdJustice web page additionally claims that Petgrave is unable to work within the UK whereas he awaits a decision to the police investigation.

It reads: “Initially, I had the advantage of insurance coverage cowl, however by way of no fault of my very own, this has been halted. Moreover, the time and prices concerned within the authorized investigation and potential courtroom proceedings are tough for me to cowl on a privately funded foundation.

“That is particularly difficult as a result of my UK visa has expired, stopping me from working as an expert ice hockey participant whereas I proceed to wish authorized help.”

In South Yorkshire Police’s most up-to-date public assertion on the case, on November 11, detective chief inspector Benjamin Wooden mentioned: “We now have been working meticulously to completely perceive the unprecedented circumstances by which Adam sadly misplaced his life.

“This advanced investigation into Adam’s demise stays ongoing and we’re persevering with to work carefully with the Crown Prosecution Service. Our ideas stay wholeheartedly with Adam’s household presently.”