Matiss Kivlenieks, 24
Next Photo

Matiss Kivlenieks, 24

Matiss Kivlenieks, the goaltender for the Columbus Blue Jackets, has tragically died at the age of 24. Kivlenieks died after slamming his head on concrete during a fireworks-related activity, according to local police.

“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,” said Lieutenant Jason Meier of the Novi, Michigan Police Department.

Kivlenieks was mostly a backup in his brief time suiting up in the NHL, but was widely expected to compete for a larger role in the 2022 season.

Full story here.

Getty