Adam Johnson’s investigation begins as police evaluate the deadly hit dedicated by Matt Pitgrave

An investigation into the demise of ice hockey participant Adam Johnson begins Friday morning in England.

The 29-year-old former NHL star died after colliding with opposing participant Matt Petgrave whereas enjoying for the Nottingham Panthers in opposition to the Sheffield Steelers. Johnson was reduce within the neck by a Betgrave blade, collapsed on the ice within the thirty fifth minute of the sport and was taken to hospital, the place he was pronounced useless.

Whereas the Panthers described the incident as a “freak accident” once they introduced his demise on Saturday, an inquest can be held on the Forensic Middle in Sheffield to find out the reason for demise.

English The law requires An inquest have to be held if there’s cheap trigger to imagine that the demise was on account of something aside from pure causes, or when the coroner believes it’s within the public curiosity to take action.

South Yorkshire Police mentioned they have been learning footage of the collision, however given it was an “unprecedented incident” the investigation “will take a while”.

“Since Saturday, investigators have been finishing up a variety of investigations together with reviewing footage, chatting with witnesses and in search of recommendation and help from extremely specialist specialists in an effort to know the circumstances surrounding what occurred,” police mentioned in a press release on Tuesday.

“We proceed to encourage the general public to keep away from hypothesis, together with on social media, whereas we proceed our inquiries and can present updates when applicable.”

Johnson’s demise has sparked controversy over Pittgrave’s actions on the ice, however some authorized specialists imagine he’s unlikely to face felony prices.

“From what I’ve learn within the information, it appears unlikely that the Crown Prosecution Service will prosecute: for manslaughter, you want both gross negligence – which is a very huge departure from regular requirements of care equivalent to to justify felony legal responsibility; or Social on the London College of Economics and Political Science (LSE), it’s an unlawful and harmful act – the latter is just doubtless if there’s, for instance, a flagrant violation of the principles of the game. Newsweek on monday.

As hypothesis continued concerning the incident, Johnson’s household broke their silence and described Pitgrave as “reckless.”

“It was very reckless,” mentioned his aunt, Carrie Johnson, 62. “I simply need them (the investigating authorities) to make it proper. We’re on the lookout for justice for Adam.”

“My nephew was 6 ft tall, and whether or not you misplaced your steadiness or not, elevating that leg that prime and doing a kicking movement like he did is unacceptable,” she mentioned. “I believe these actions have been pointless. They have been pointless. Nobody touched him. I’ve watched this video a whole lot of occasions.”

She added: “I am positive Mr. Pitgrave most likely did not even take into consideration the implications of this occurring, however there comes a time when it’s important to notice this isn’t hockey.”

“And I am positive he is going by means of lots too, however he took our son. There are a number of of us within the household who assume it was a totally pointless, very unhealthy measure.”