NHL Goalie Killed In Fireworks Accident At Columbus Blue Jackets Coach Home

The hockey world is in mourning following news that Columbus Blue Jackets goaltender Matiss Kivlenieks has passed away. The 24-year-old NHL player died Sunday while attending an event at the house of his coach, Manny Legace in Novi, Michigan.

Kivlenieks was a guest of Legace who was celebrating the wedding of his daughter. The Latvian player attended the event together with teammate Elvis Merzlikins. Based on official reports, Kivlenieks died from a fireworks mortar blast and chest trauma.

The goaltender’s death was ruled accidental after a full autopsy was conducted by the Oakland County Chief Medical Examiner Dr. Ljubisa Dragovic according to Mitch Brown of the Oakland County Medical Examiner's Office.

"What occurred was they were lighting off what looks like a nine-shot mortar box," Novi Police Department Lt. Jason Meier stated. "And at one point the box tipped up the final two mortars."

Kivlenieks reportedly tried to flee when fireworks went crazy. However, the final shot of the mortar blast shot him in the chest area according to Meier.

Merzilkins shared his message on Instagram following Kivlenieks’ death.

"My little brother, what to say, I really loved you, you were the little brother for me that I took care of," his message read. "I really love you, I'll miss you, we had our last basketball game in the pool and we enjoyed before you left me right after."

Legace has yet to issue a statement on the incident.

Responders arrived at the scene at around 10:13 p.m. Kivlenieks was taken to the Ascension Providence Hospital where he was pronounced dead.

The 24-year-old was remembered with a moment of silence before the start of game 4 of the Stanley Cup Final on Monday between the Montreal Canadiens and the Tampa Bay Lightning.

"The National Hockey League was saddened to learn of the sudden and tragic passing of goaltender Matiss Kivlenieks," NHL Commissioner Gary Bettman stated. "On behalf of the NHL family, we extend our deepest sympathies to his family, friends and teammates in both the Blue Jackets organization 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."