Tragedy struck the hockey world on Monday morning as the Columbus Blue Jackets announced the death of 24-year-old goaltender Matiss Kivlenieks.
According to The Associated Press, a medical examiner in Michigan says an autopsy determined Kivlenieks died of chest trauma from an errant fireworks mortar blast, not a fall, as authorities initially reported.
Police say the mortar-style firework tilted slightly and started firing toward people nearby, which included Kivleniek who was in a hot tub and tried to get clear.
The fire department and EMTs arrived on the scene and Kivlenieks was taken to a nearby hospital where he was pronounced dead.
Prior to the autopsy, authorities believed Kivlenieks slipped and hit his head on concrete while running from the fireworks.
“We are shocked and saddened by the loss of Matiss Kivlenieks, and we extend our deepest sympathies to his mother, Astrida, his family and friends during this devastating time,” Blue Jackets President of Hockey Operations John Davidson said. “Kivi was an outstanding young man who greeted every day and everyone with a smile and the impact he had during his four years with our organization will not be forgotten.”
The Riga, Latvia native signed with the Blue Jackets as a free agent in May 2017. He went 2-2-2 with a 3.09 goals against average and .899 save percentage. In his NHL debut at Madison Square Garden on Jan. 19, 2020, he stopped 31 of 32 shots in a 2-1 win over the Rangers.
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