Paramedics who responded to the fatal neck injury suffered by ice hockey player Adam Johnson during a league match described a "chaotic scene," a coroner has said.
Johnson, 29, was playing for the Nottingham Panthers against the Sheffield Steelers in October 2023 when he was struck in the neck by the skate of opposing player Matt Petgrave. The American died in hospital after the Elite League fixture at Sheffield Arena.
At a pre-inquest review on Monday, Sheffield Senior Coroner Tanyka Rawden said evidence from Yorkshire Ambulance Service paramedics painted a picture of a "chaotic scene at the arena." She noted that one paramedic had to climb over barriers because "nobody could show them on to the ice." Rawden also questioned the availability of blood for attending medics.
Addressing Johnson's mother, Sue Johnson, and his fiancée Ryan Wolfe, who joined via video link from the US, Rawden said: "I cannot imagine what life has been like for all of you since Adam died. It must have been horrific."
Last year, the Crown Prosecution Service decided not to bring criminal charges against Petgrave. His barrister, Michael Hayton KC, told the hearing his client is currently in Canada. The coroner is considering calling Petgrave and nine other players to give evidence, but noted none are currently in the UK.
Rawden said the inquest is unlikely to take place this year, as her investigation had to pause until the police inquiry concluded. She expects the inquest to last between four and six weeks. A provisional date for another pre-inquest review was set for October 29.
The coroner has already issued a prevention of future deaths report to Ice Hockey UK and the English Ice Hockey Association, urging the use of neck guards. Neck guards have been mandatory in the Elite League since January 1, 2024.