NOVI, Mich. (WWJ/AP) -- An investigation is ongoing after an apparent fireworks accident in an Oakland County backyard killed NHL player Matiss Kivlenieks.
Novi police were called to a home around 10:30 p.m. Sunday, where they found Columbus Blue Jackets goaltender Matiss Kivlenieks unresponsive on the ground.
Authorities tell WWJ Kivlenieks was in a hot tub at a Fourth of July gathering when a mortar-style firework tilted slightly and began firing toward people nearby. Kivlenieks and several other people attempted to flee the area, but police say Kivlenieks was possibly hit in the chest by the firework.
While it had previously been reported Kivlenieks died of a head injury sustained during the incident, Novi Police Lt. Jason Meier told WWJ an autopsy performed Monday revealed the cause of death was “chest trauma due to a fireworks mortar.”
Meier tells WWJ the percussive explosion from the firework may have caused his lungs and heart to collapse, though authorities are unsure whether he was actually hit by the mortar.
"We're not sure at this time, but we believe it was the percussion of the actual explosion, because he didn't have a lot of damage externally, just internally," Meier said.
Meier said police are still actively investigating the incident, conducting follow-up interviews and talking to everyone involved, but authorities “are looking at this as a tragic accident.”
Meier told WWJ that police cannot disclose the name of the home owner where the incident occurred.
The Blue Jackets released a statement Monday, also calling it a “tragic accident.”
“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.”