NHL Star Matiss Kivlenieks Dead at 24 After ‘Fireworks Malfunction’

The NHL community is mourning the loss of Columbus Blue Jackets goaltender Matiss Kivlenieks after a “tragic accident” on the Fourth of July.

The 24-year-old athlete suffered a fatal injury during an incident at the home of his coach, Manny Legace, in Novi, Michigan. His NHL team confirmed the tragic news on Monday, sharing a statement on Twitter about their incredible loss.

“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,” the Columbus Blue Jackets statement read.

The Detroit News reported a follow-up on the story on Monday. According to the paper, an initial autopsy report determined Kivlenieks, 24, died from chest trauma, police said Monday. That was caused by the shell of a high-powered mortar firework striking him in the left side of his chest, Oakland County medical examiner Ljubisa Dragovic told WJR 760-AM in an interview Tuesday morning. Kivlenieks suffered major damage to his heart and lungs, according to the autopsy report. Dragovic said Kivlenieks died seconds after the blast.

“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. “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.”

“Novi Fire and Paramedics were dispatched at 10:13 p.m. to a private residence in the city of Novi. They found a subject unresponsive and immediately transferred him to Ascension Hospital in Novi where he was pronounced dead,” lieutenant Jason Meier told E! News. “The Novi Police Department is investigating and an autopsy is scheduled for today but all signs are that this was a tragic accident. Initial investigation is that there was a fireworks malfunction and that the deceased fell while escaping a hot tub.”

As news of his death spread, his fellow teammates and NHL community members continued to share their thoughts and tributes to Kivi on social media.

**This story has been updated with the latest news updates.

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