Matiss Kivlenieks Dead - NHL Player Dies at 24 After July 4 Tragedy

This is so tragic…NHL player Matiss Kivlenieks died on the Fourth of July. The Columbus Blue Jackets goalie was only 24 years old.

Lt. Jason Meier of the Novi Police Department released a statement explaining what happened on Sunday evening (July 4).

Click inside to read the statement…

“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 ESPN. He was pronounced dead after paramedics took him to the hospital.

“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 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.”

Matiss made his NHL debut at Madison Square Garden on January 19, 2020. Our thoughts are with his friends and loved ones during this time.

We’ve tragically lost so many stars in 2021 so far this year.