Blue Jackets Matiss Kivlenieks Dies In Novi Home Accident

NOVI, MI — Columbus Blue Jackets goalie Matiss Kivlenieks has died after a fall and a head injury at a July 4 gathering, according to an official statement from the NHL. He was 24.

Novi Police received a call shortly after 10 p.m. Sunday and Kivlenieks was transported to Ascension Providence Hospital in Novi, where he was pronounced dead, the Detroit News reported. Novi Police Lt. Jason Meier said multiple people were in a hot tub when there was, "from what we can tell," a fireworks incident, the Detroit News reported Monday morning. In attempting to get out of the hot tub, Kivlenieks slipped and hit his head on concrete, Meier said.

The Columbus Blue Jackets said on Twitter, "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."

The National Hockey League issued a statement Monday morning also.

"It is with profound sadness that the Columbus Blue Jackets announce goaltender Matiss Kivlenieks passed away last night at the age of 24 as the result of a tragic accident. The Riga, Latvia native suffered an apparent head injury in a fall. Medical personnel were called immediately, but he succumbed a short time later."

"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," said Blue Jackets President of Hockey Operations John Davidson. "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."

The NHL said Kivlenieks, who signed with Columbus as a free agent in May 2017, went 2-2-2 with a 3.09 goals-against average and .899 save percentage in eight career games with the club. He made his NHL debut at Madison Square Garden on Jan. 19, 2020, stopping 31-of-32 shots to beat the New York Rangers, 2-1. He posted a 33-35-9 mark, 3.31 GAA, .896 SV percent and three shutouts in 85 career games with the Cleveland Monsters, the Blue Jackets' American Hockey League affiliate from 2017-21. He represented Latvia at several international tournaments including the 2021 IIHF World Championships this spring, where he went 1-2 with a 2.18 GAA, .922 SV percent and one shutout in four games, according to the NHL.

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