NOVI, Mich – An NHL player was killed in a fireworks accident Sunday night, WDIV reported.
Matiss Kivlenieks, 24, who played for Columbus Blue Jackets as a goalie, was at a gathering Sunday night when apparently fireworks began to malfunction in Novi, a town near Detroit.
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Police initially said Kivlenieks slipped and hit his head as he fled a hot tub. In a statement, medical personnel were immediately called but he died a short time later.
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
An autopsy said Monday he suffered blunt force trauma to his chest, WDIV reported.
The Blue Jackets released a statement to WDIV Monday, stating they are “shocked and saddened” by the news.
“(Kivlenieks) 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,” said John Davidson, Blue Jackets president of Hockey Operations.
Kivlenieks signed with the Blue Jackets in May 2017, later making his NHL debut in 2020. He represented his home country of Latvia for several occasions, including the 2021 IIHF World Championships, the team said in a statement.