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NHL Player Matiss Kivlenieks Killed In July 4th Fireworks Accident

NHL Player Matiss Kivlenieks Killed In July 4th Fireworks Accident

He was just 24 years of age.

Max Sherry

Max Sherry

The ice hockey community is in mourning following the tragic death of Matiss Kivlenieks.

The Columbus Blue Jackets goaltender was killed during July 4th celebrations after he was struck in the chest by a stray firework.

He was just 24 years of age.

Reports suggest the NHL star was attending an Independence Day party when tilted fireworks started shooting off into the crowds of people.

It's understood Kivlenieks was in a hot tub with several other bystanders and desperately tried to get duck out of the way of the oncoming fireworks.

Unfortunately for Kivlenieks, local police in Novi, Michigan confirmed he was hit directly in the chest and was then rushed straight to hospital where he was pronounced dead shortly after.

Matiss Kivlenieks.
PA

The awful incident has sent shockwaves through the NHL world with fans, teammates and fellow players all flooding to social media to pay tribute to the Latvian-born goalie.

The Columbus Blue Jackets tweeted: "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.

Elsewhere, the team's general manager Jarmo Kekalaine added: "Life is so precious and can be so fragile. Hug your loved ones today. RIP Matiss, you will be dearly missed."

And former Blue Jackets captain Nick Foligno paid his respects to his former teammate.

"What a tragic loss for all of us who knew him and I am thinking and praying for his family," Foligno tweeted.

"Heaven gained a darn good goalie and better person... Just, way too soon."

Initial reports suggested that Kivlenieks had tripped over and hit his head on a concrete path while trying to flee the "mortar-style fireworks", although police have now corrected those claims.

"At the moment, we're pretty certain this was a tragic accident," police Lt. Jason Meier said.

"We're starting to put together a pretty good picture of what occurred."

By all accounts, Kivlenieks was a much loved member of the Blue Jackets team and finishes his NHL career with a 2-2-2 record having made his professional debut back in January 2020.

Matiss Kivlenieks.
PA

'"The National Hockey League was saddened to learn of the sudden and tragic passing of goaltender Matiss Kivlenieks," NHL Commissioner Gary Bettman said in a touching statement.

"On behalf of the NHL family, we extend our deepest sympathies to his family, friends and teammates in both the Blue Jackets organisation and his native country of Latvia. His 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."

Featured Image Credit: NHL/PA

Topics: ice hockey, Australia