The 32-year-old Petgrave is currently on police bail and has cited financial difficulties due to an expired UK visa, which prevents him from working as a professional player.

A man, whose identity has not been disclosed, is under investigation for manslaughter in connection with Johnson's death; he has been re-bailed multiple times, but no charges have been filed yet.

In the wake of this incident, Matt Petgrave, a former defenseman for the Sheffield Steelers, has described Johnson's death as a 'tragic accident' and is appealing for donations to cover his legal costs through a crowdfunding campaign.

At the time of his death, Johnson was living with his fiancée, Ryan Wolfe, and was studying at Loughborough Business School.

UK authorities have withheld the name of the suspect in Johnson's death until formal charges are made, following legal protocols.

In response to safety concerns following Johnson's death, the UK's Elite Ice Hockey League has mandated the use of neck guards starting January 1, 2024.

Petgrave intends to donate any remaining funds from his campaign to initiatives promoting safety in hockey, aligning with CrowdJustice's policy for unused funds.

The CrowdJustice platform confirmed that rigorous checks were conducted before Petgrave's fundraising campaign was launched, ensuring that the funds will go directly to his lawyer.

The match during which the incident occurred was halted in the 35th minute due to what was described as a 'major medical emergency' at Sheffield Arena.

Adam Johnson, a 29-year-old forward for the Nottingham Panthers, tragically died on October 28, 2023, after a skate blade from fellow player Matt Petgrave struck his neck during a game in Sheffield, England.

Petgrave has successfully raised nearly £10,000 (approximately $12,500) on the CrowdJustice platform to help with his legal expenses, as he faces ongoing police investigations.

On November 14, 2023, it was reported that a man had been arrested on suspicion of manslaughter in connection with Johnson's death but was released on bail, with the investigation still active.