The sports neighborhood is grieving the loss of a precious professional athlete.
Columbus Blue Jackets goaltender Matiss Kivlenieks passed away after suffering a deadly head injury throughout a terrible Fourth of July event at a house in Novi, Michigan. He was 24.
“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 informs 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 the NHL star’s death emerged, numerous fans and fellow members of the sports neighborhood commemorated him. “We are surprised and saddened by the loss of Matiss Kivlenieks, and we extend our inmost compassions to his mom, Astrida, his friends and family throughout this terrible time,” John Davidson, Blue Jackets President of Hockey Operations, stated Monday, July 5. “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.”
