Family Member of Adam Johnson Calls For Police to Serve Justice
BY JOSHUA NOVEMBER 1, 2023 (8:09 PM)
The 29-year-old died in a freak accident while playing for the Nottingham Panthers in the EIHL. During Sunday's game, his throat was cut and a carotid artery was severed.
«We are absolutely calling for a complete investigation,» she said. «You don't take your leg and kick somebody and cut their throat. I'm sorry.»
Kari said what she saw was «not hockey» during the controversial play, which took place at the Utilita Arena in Sheffield.
«My nephew was 6-feet tall, and whether you lost your balance or not, to have that leg come up that high and do a kicking motion like he did, that is just unacceptable,» she said.
«I think the actions were unnecessary. It was just unnecessary. Nobody touched him. I've watched that video hundreds of times.
Kari said what she saw was «not hockey» during the controversial play, which took place at the Utilita Arena in Sheffield.
«My nephew was 6-feet tall, and whether you lost your balance or not, to have that leg come up that high and do a kicking motion like he did, that is just unacceptable,» she said.
«I think the actions were unnecessary. It was just unnecessary. Nobody touched him. I've watched that video hundreds of times.
The incident occurred when Sheffield Steelers' Matt Petgrave's skate cut Johnson's throat.
In spite of the fact that Johnson does not believe Petgrave's actions were intentional, she wants police to investigate what she calls his carless actions.
«That's not a hockey play, that's not a check. I understand that every team has an enforcer, per se, on their team.
«I'm sure Mr. Petgrave probably didn't even think about the consequences could be of that happening, but there comes a time when you have to realize, that's not hockey.
«And I'm sure he's going through a lot too, but he took our boy. There are a few of us in the family that think it was a totally unnecessary, very, very bad action to take.»
«I'm sure Mr. Petgrave probably didn't even think about the consequences could be of that happening, but there comes a time when you have to realize, that's not hockey.
«And I'm sure he's going through a lot too, but he took our boy. There are a few of us in the family that think it was a totally unnecessary, very, very bad action to take.»
On Monday, South Yorkshire policy issued a statement saying that they were investigating the circumstances surrounding his death, called a "freak accident" by the Panthers.
After reviewing the scene multiple times, Kari deemed Petrgave's movements unnecessary after watching the game with Johnson's parents.
Kari felt the upwards kicking motion wasn't hockey and called it unnecessary.
Kari explained that she will «have to accept» the eventual outcome of the investigation.
«If they find against what I feel, I will have to accept that. But I've felt throughout it's very, very reckless and unnecessary,» she said.
«It took a life. I don't want to see it for someone else.»
«If they find against what I feel, I will have to accept that. But I've felt throughout it's very, very reckless and unnecessary,» she said.
«It took a life. I don't want to see it for someone else.»
Kari said she would have to accept the outcome of the investigation. Nevertheless, the EIHL will make neck guards mandatory after the tragedy.
From now on, neck guards will be mandatory for all hockey games in the EIHL, a move supported by Johnson's aunt.
He was going to finish his finance degree after hanging up his skates for good, according to Kari.
Before taking his talent overseas to Europe, Johnson spent two seasons in the Pittsburgh Penguins organization.
As Seen On: nypost.com
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