Adam Johnson’s unfortunate death on the ice

Adam Johnson, a former player on the Pittsburgh Penguins NHL team, tragically passed away on Oct. 28 in what many are describing as a freak accident. Unfortunately, in situations involving more than one person, there tends to be speculation and accusations, often making a difficult situation even more challenging for everyone involved.

It is crucial not to jump to conclusions, especially before the police investigation is concluded. While the circumstances surrounding Johnson’s death are not fully known, there is skepticism about the intentionality of Matt Petgrave’s actions. It is important to note that passing judgment prematurely can add undue distress to an already heartbreaking situation.

Having viewed the video circulating on social media, it’s clear that Petgrave, when slowed down, was in a prone position in the air. The idea that he intentionally targeted Johnson’s throat seems implausible. In situations where tragedy occurs, individuals may be quick to assign blame, but it’s essential to exercise caution and wait for the investigation’s findings.

The grief over Johnson’s death is undeniable, and it’s natural for people to seek answers. However, turning that grief into unwarranted blame can compound the trauma for those involved, like Petgrave. It’s crucial to remember that Petgrave has to live with the knowledge that he was part of a tragic incident while engaging in a sport he loves. Adding the label of “murderer” without clear evidence is unfair and detrimental.

Addressing Petgrave’s actions after the accident, some have expressed disappointment that he walked away once paramedics arrived on the ice. It’s essential to recognize that individuals react differently in shock, and expecting a specific response may not be reasonable. Petgrave’s actions, including leaving the ice as directed, should be understood within the context of the traumatic event.

It is highly unlikely that Johnson would have wanted this accident to ruin another player’s life. The emotional response to such a tragedy, while valid, can sometimes transform into secondary emotions like anger, leading people to direct their frustration toward a perceived cause. It’s crucial to separate grief from assigning blame prematurely.

Acknowledging the role of media in shaping public perception, some news sources have presented headlines that may contribute to the negative narrative. Headlines like “Matt Petgrave ‘absolutely intended’ clashed with Adam Johnson” (The Telegraph) and “Hockey world was horrified by the kick that killed Adam Johnson: It was a homicide” (The Marca) may not accurately represent the ongoing investigation.

Former teammates, like Westin Michaud, have come forward to support Petgrave, emphasizing that the hate directed at him is unwarranted. Michaud witnessed the incident from the bench and believes it was unintentional. It is essential for the community to come together and offer support rather than spread baseless accusations.

Even former NHL player Sean Avery, in an interview with Fox, cautioned against using strong language like “homicide” without clear evidence. The interviewer’s choice of words in the headline, “Ex-NHL Star Says Petgrave Meant To Hit Johnson In Fatal Collision,” misrepresents Avery’s statements.

In conclusion, while grieving the loss of Adam Johnson, it is crucial to await the results of the ongoing investigation and refrain from assigning blame without clear evidence. Premature judgments can exacerbate the trauma for all parties involved and may lead to unjust consequences.