Matiss Kivlenieks dies after a fireworks accident

After a fireworks accident at a Novi holiday party at the home of former Red Wings goalie Manny Legace, Columbus Blue Jackets goalie Matiss Kivlenieks died Sunday night. According to initial autopsy reports, he died from chest trauma but further studies revealed that he died from the shell of a high-powered mortar firework striking him in the left side of his chest, Oakland County medical examiner Ljubisa Dragovic told WJR 760-AM in an interview Tuesday morning.

Kivlenieks died within seconds after the blast as he suffered major damage to his heart and lungs. Novi Police is still investigating the death of the 24-year-old player by questioning the witnesses.

“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,” Blue Jackets president John Davidson said in a statement Monday morning.