A National Hockey League (NFL) player died on July 4 after trying to escape an out-of-control mortar firework. Columbus Blue Jackets goalie Matiss Kivlenieks, 24, was in a hot tub and fled along with other people when a mortar-style firework tilted and launched toward them.
While trying to run, Kivlenieks slipped and hit his head on the concrete in Novi, Michigan. Fire department and emergency responders arrived at the private home around 10.13pm on Sunday and transported Kivlenieks to a nearby hospital. He was pronounced dead shortly after.
‘At the moment, we’re pretty certain this was a tragic accident,’ Novi Police Department Lt Jason Meier said.
Kivlenieks’ death was announced by the Blue Jackets and Latvian Hockey federation on Monday morning. The NHL team noted that Kivlenieks died of an apparent head injury from a fall but did not mention fireworks.
Blue Jackets president of hockey operations John Davidson in a statement said that the team is ‘shocked and saddened’ by Kivlenieks’ death.
‘We extend our deepest sympathies to his mother, Astrida, his family and friends during this devastating time,’ Davidson stated. ‘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.’
Kivlenieks started for the Blue Jackets in two games last season and previously played for Latvia, his home country, in the IIHF World Championships. He played in eight NHL games in his career. Kivlenieks was undrafted and signed with the Blue Jackets in 2017 as a free agent.
He hit the ice for his first NHL game in January 2020 at Madison Square Garden against the New York Rangers and stopped 31 of 32 shots at the goal post.
NHL commissioner Gary Bettman said in a statement that Kivlenieks’ ‘love for life and passion for the game will be deeply missed by all those who have been fortunate to have him as a teammate and a friend’.
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