Matt Petgrave "left distraught" following Adam Johnson's death, receives offensive messages from trolls: Reports

The hockey world was left in shock following the on-ice incident that led to the tragic passing of Nottingham Panthers star Adam Johnson. The Sheffield Steelers' Matt Petgrave, the other player involved in the unfortunate accident, is said to have been left devastated and received hate mail on social media.

The incident occurred during a match that drew 8,000 horrified spectators, with a collision between the two players resulting in Petgrave's leg accidentally slashing Johnson's throat.

According to the Telegraph, online platforms were filled with messages from trolls who took aim at Matt Petgrave, although the hockey community rallied to offer their support to the grieving player. Panthers fans felt it was a tragic accident, emphasizing that no one intended for such an incident to occur on the ice.

According to Panthers supporter Tina Taylor, the accident was a "one in a million chance occurrence."

"It will probably never happen again," she was quoted as saying by the Telegraph. "It was a complete freak accident. He was left absolutely distraught by the death of an opponent but it was a tragic accident and he was not to blame. The awful trolling must stop.”

Matt Petgrave ended up making his social media profiles private.

The English Ice Hockey Association acknowledged the loss of a much-loved player and the mourning within the hockey community. South Yorkshire Police confirmed that their investigation into the incident is ongoing.

"Our officers remain at the scene carrying out inquiries, and our investigation into the circumstances surrounding the incident remains ongoing."

The department added,

"We would encourage the public to avoid speculation regarding the incident while we continue our inquiries."

In the face of this profound tragedy, the hockey world stands united.

Specifics of the incident involving Adam Johnson and Matt Petgrave

During the second period of the ice hockey game at Sheffield's Utilita Arena, Adam Johnson was unintentionally struck in the neck by Sheffield Steelers player, Matt Petgrave, who lost balance after an on-ice collision.

Shocked spectators saw Johnson bleed profusely through his jersey. Although he initially moved away, he later collapsed. The game was halted in the 35th minute to give Johnson urgent medical attention, but he tragically passed away.

Sportskeeda is keeping track of the developments in Johnson's tragic accident and will provide further updates.