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Blue Jackets goalie dies from errant firework blast
Columbus goaltender Matiss Kivlenieks, 24, was struck by a mortar-style firework during a private Fourth of July celebration.
By STEPHEN WHYNOAssociated Press
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Matiss Kivlenieks played two games for the Columbus Blue Jackets this winter and was seen as a possible No. 2 goaltender for the team next season.
AP Photo/Kathy Willens
Columbus Blue Jackets goaltender Matiss Kivlenieks died of chest trauma from an errant fireworks mortar blast in what authorities described Monday as a tragic accident on the Fourth of July.
Police in Novi, Michigan, said the firework tilted slightly and started to fire toward people nearby Sunday night. The 24-year-old Kivlenieks was in a hot tub and tried to get clear with several other people, police Lt. Jason Meier said. Authorities earlier said the Lativan had died of an apparent head injury during a fall, but an autopsy clarified the cause of death.
Blue Jackets goalie dies after fireworks accident
THIS CORRECTS THAT KIVLENIEKS DIED OF CHEST TRAUMA FROM AN ERRANT FIREWORKS MORTAR BLAST AND NOT A SUBSEQUENT FALL AS AUTHORITIES PREVIOUSLY REPORTED - FILE - Columbus Blue Jackets goaltender Matiss Kivlenieks (80) is shown during the second period of an NHL hockey game in New York, in this Sunday, Jan. 19, 2020, file photo. The Columbus Blue Jackets and Latvian Hockey Federation said Monday, July 5, 2021, that 24-year-old goaltender Matiss Kivlenieks has died. A medical examiner in Michigan says an autopsy has determined that Columbus Blue Jackets goaltender Matiss Kivlenieks died of chest trauma from an errant fireworks mortar blast, and not a fall as authorities previously reported. Police in Novi, Michigan, said the mortar-style firework tilted slightly and started to fire toward people nearby Sunday night, July 4. (AP Photo/Kathy Willens, File) Kathy Willens
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THIS CORRECTS THAT KIVLENIEKS DIED OF CHEST TRAUMA FROM AN ERRANT FIREWORKS MORTAR BLAST AND NOT A SUBSEQUENT FALL AS AUTHORITIES PREVIOUSLY REPORTED - FILE - Columbus Blue Jackets goaltender Matiss Kivlenieks (80) is shown during the second period of an NHL hockey game in New York, in this Sunday, Jan. 19, 2020, file photo. The Columbus Blue Jackets and Latvian Hockey Federation said Monday, July 5, 2021, that 24-year-old goaltender Matiss Kivlenieks has died. A medical examiner in Michigan says an autopsy has determined that Columbus Blue Jackets goaltender Matiss Kivlenieks died of chest trauma from an errant fireworks mortar blast, and not a fall as authorities previously reported. Police in Novi, Michigan, said the mortar-style firework tilted slightly and started to fire toward people nearby Sunday night, July 4.
Blue Jackets G Matiss Kivlenieks dies from fireworks blast
FILE PHOTO: May 8, 2021; Columbus, Ohio, USA; Columbus Blue Jackets goaltender Matiss Kivlenieks (80) makes a save in net against the Detroit Red Wings in the second period at Nationwide Arena. Aaron Doster-USA TODAY Sports
July 6, 2021
Columbus Blue Jackets goaltender Matiss Kivlenieks died Sunday night of chest trauma not a head injury from a fall caused by a fireworks mortar blast. He was 24.
The Oakland County Medical Examiner’s office reported preliminary results Monday after an autopsy. Police in Novi, Mich., now say the mortar-style device began to tilt and fire at a group of people at a Fourth of July party. Kivlenieks was in a hot tub and among those trying to exit the tub to get out of the way, police Lt. Jason Meier said. Investigators are calling his death accidental.
REVEALED: Columbus Blue Jackets goalie Matiss Kivlenieks, 24, died after being struck in the chest by firework while sitting in hot tub at home of coach who was hosting daughter s Hawaiian-themed wedding
Michigan police say that 24-year-old Blue Jackets goaltender Matiss Kivlenieks died after a fireworks accident in a Detroit suburb on Sunday
Kivlenieks was at the home of Blue Jacket goaltending coach Manny Legace, whose daughter Sabrina was getting married on July 4
Police said a mortar-style firework tilted slightly and started to fire toward people during the celebration on Sunday in Novi, Michigan. A police spokesman said alcohol is not believed to have been a factor in the mishap