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Who is Kari Johnson? Adam Johnson's aunt who watched his game live calls for investigation into his tragic death

The fatal accident took place when Adam Johnson's throat was struck by a skate blade

DULUTH, MINNESOTA: Adam Johnson's grieving aunt Kari Johnson is seeking justice after his tragic death during a game on Saturday, October 29, in the England Elite Ice Hockey League (EIHL).

The 29-year-old ex-NHLer died after his opponent's skate blade slashed his throat which severed his carotid artery, reported the New York Post.

Kari Johnson says opponent's movement was 'totally unnecessary'

The tragedy took place when the skate of Matt Petrgave, who was playing for Sheffield Steeler struck Johnson, who was on the opposing Nottingham Panthers.

The 62-year-old aunt said that she does not believe that the cut was intentional but thinking of the "horrific tragedy," she believes Petgrave's actions to be careless.

"I just want them [authorities investigating] to get it right. We are looking for justice for Adam," she said.

Describing the fatal incident as a "freak accident" by the Panthers, South Yorkshire Police stated that an investigation into the circumstances of Johnson's death is ongoing.

Recalling watching Johnson's game live at home with his parents, Kari said she reviewed "hundreds" of replays of the game and believes that Petgrave's movement was "totally unnecessary."

"We are absolutely calling for a complete investigation," Kari said.

“You don’t take your leg and kick somebody and cut their throat. I’m sorry," she added.

She said that the brutal game at the Utilita Arena in Sheffield was "not hockey."

"My nephew was six-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," Kari said.

"I think the actions were unnecessary. It was just unnecessary. Nobody touched him. I’ve watched that video hundreds of times," she added.

"That’s not a hockey play, that’s not a check. I understand that every team has an enforcer, per se, on their team," she continued.

Kari Johnson says Matt Petgrave 'took our boy'

Speaking about the fatal incident, Kari said, "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," she said.

Talking about the outcome of the probe into Johnson's death, Kari said, "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."

"It took a life. I don’t want to see it for someone else," she added.