NHL stars mourn Blue Jackets’ goalie killed in July 4 celebrations
Teammates and NHL stars mourn the sudden passing of Columbus Blue Jackets’ goalie Matiss Kivlenieks who was killed in July 4 celebrations in Michigan. Police Lt. Jason Meier had announced that the 24-year-old was fatally hit by a mortar-style firework late Sunday night.
He was rushed to a hospital before he was declared dead at around 10 p.m. from severe chest trauma.“When I first met Matiss in 1st grade, I asked him to fill out my diary. One of the questions was ‘your dream profession’ to which Matiss replied: goalie in the NHL,” a friend recalled.
“He was just 7 years old when he knew exactly what he wants to achieve with his life.”Blue Jackets’ manager Jarmo Kekalainen said on Twitter: “Life is so precious and can be so fragile.”
“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.”
NHL Commissioner Gary Bettman said: “His love for life and passion for the game will be deeply missed by all those who have been fortunate to have him a teammate and a friend.”
Initial reports suggested that Kivlenieks had tripped over and hit his head on a concrete path while trying to flee the "mortar-style fireworks". However, police have now corrected those claims."At the moment, we're pretty certain this was a tragic accident," police Lt. Jason Meier said.
"We're starting to put together a pretty good picture of what occurred."By all accounts, Kivlenieks was a much-loved member of the Blue Jackets team and finished his NHL career with a 2-2-2 record, having made his professional debut back in January 2020.
The National Hockey League was saddened to learn of the sudden and tragic passing of goaltender Matiss Kivlenieks," NHL Commissioner Gary Bettman said in a touching statement.
"On behalf of the NHL family, we extend our deepest sympathies to his family, friends and teammates in both the Blue Jackets organisation 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."
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