Adam Johnson inquest hears of chaotic scene following fatal injury
An inquest into the death of Nottingham Panthers ice hockey player Adam Johnson has heard paramedics faced a “chaotic scene” when responding to his fatal neck injury.
The 29-year-old American died in hospital after his neck was struck by the skate of Sheffield Steelers opponent Matt Petgrave in October 2023.
During a pre-inquest review on Monday, Sheffield’s senior coroner Tanyka Rawden highlighted significant questions regarding the emergency response at the Sheffield Arena.
Evidence submitted by the Yorkshire Ambulance Service painted a picture of confusion in the immediate aftermath of the devastating collision.
Paramedic access and medical provision questioned
Rawden revealed that some attending medical staff were forced to climb over barriers because nobody was available to guide them onto the ice.
The coroner also raised specific inquiries about the availability of blood for the frontline responders treating the severely injured athlete.
Johnson’s mother, Sue, and his fiancee, Ryan Wolfe, observed the emotional proceedings via video link from the United States.
Addressing the grieving family directly, Rawden expressed her deepest sympathies for their unimaginable loss.
“I cannot imagine what life has been like for all of you since Adam died. It must have been horrific for all of you.”
Witnesses and future legal steps
The Crown Prosecution Service confirmed last year that no criminal charges would be brought against Petgrave following a comprehensive police investigation.
Michael Hayton KC, representing the Canadian defenseman, confirmed his client is currently residing in his home country.
Rawden indicated plans to call the former Steelers player and nine other individuals who featured in the Elite League fixture to give evidence.
However, with none of those requested athletes currently residing in the UK, the coroner acknowledged this strategy remains under review.
Delays and safety improvements
The full proceedings are expected to last between four and six weeks, though the hearing is unlikely to commence this calendar year.
Rawden noted her investigation had to be paused until the police inquiry concluded last year, pushing back the timeline despite public pressure.
The coroner has already taken proactive steps regarding player safety by issuing a prevention of future deaths report to the sport’s national governing bodies.
Ice Hockey UK and the English Ice Hockey Association were instructed to urgently address the mandatory use of neck guards to prevent similar tragedies.
