Columbus Blue Jackets goalie Matiss Kivlenieks died on Sunday at age 24 after attempting to escape a firework malfunction.
The following written content by Vanessa Etienne
The Columbus Blue Jackets are mourning the death of their goaltender in a “tragic accident.”
On Sunday night, Matiss Kivlenieks died after attempting to jump out of a hot tub along with several others due to a firework malfunction. According to ESPN, police in Novi, Michigan, said he slipped and fell during the flee, hitting his head on the concrete after a mortar-style firework caused a fire.
Kivlenieks was taken to the local hospital shortly after, where he was pronounced dead. He was 24.
“There appears to have been a fireworks malfunction, which caused a group of people to flee from the hot tub, including the deceased, who slipped and hit his head on the concrete,” Lt. Jason Meier of the Novi Police Department told the outlet. Meier said the investigation currently is looking at Kivlenieks’ death as a “slip and fall” accident.
The medical examiner later said on Monday that Kivlenieks died of chest trauma from an errant fireworks mortar blast, rather than a head injury from the fall, the Associated Press said.
On Monday, the Columbus Blue Jackets made an announcement on social media about Kivlenieks’ death, saying, “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. We are heartbroken. Please keep his family in your thoughts and prayers. Rest in peace, Kivi.”
Many others followed up by sharing their condolences.
“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,” said Blue Jackets President of Hockey Operations John Davidson in a statement. “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.” Read more from Health.
