Columbus Blue Jackets goalie Matiss Kivlenieks died July 4 from chest trauma from an errant fireworks mortar blast, not from a head injury as officials previously reported, according to the Associated Press.
Kivlenieks was in a hot tub at a private residence in Novi, Michigan, when a mortar-style firework tilted and fired at people nearby. Police initially believed Kivlenieks slipped, fell and hit his head on concrete as he was fleeing a hot tub.
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Team officials are calling this a “tragic accident.” Medical personnel responded immediately to Kivlenieks, but he died not long after, according to our partners at 10tv.
He was only 24 years old.
It’s with a very heavy heart that we share the news that goaltender Matiss Kivlenieks passed away last night at the age of 24.
— Columbus Blue Jackets (@BlueJacketsNHL) July 5, 2021
We are heartbroken. Please keep his family in your thoughts and prayers.
Rest in peace, Kivi.https://t.co/o2EDRgxQ5A pic.twitter.com/FCBr0ZaH25
Kivlenieks signed with the Columbus Blue Jackets in May of 2017. He made his NHL debut in January of 2020 when he stopped 31 of 32 shots against the New York Rangers, leading the Blue Jackets to a 2-1 victory.
“His love for life and passion for the game will be deeply missed by all those who have been fortunate to have him as a teammate and a friend,” said National Hockey League Commissioner Gary Bettman.
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