The Cleveland Monsters and Columbus Blue Jackets goaltender passed away following a tragic accident.
Matiss Kivlenieks has passed away at the age of 24 following an accident. Aaron Portzline confirmed the reports that originated in Lativa early Monday morning.
Portzline would later add that Kivlenieks’ death is ruled as accidental with fireworks mortar blast, chest trauma being the cause of death after initially being reported as a head injury.
The Columbus Blue Jackets released a statement about the passing of Kivlenieks. Alison Lukan tweeted the statement from the organization.
The NHL also released a statement about the passing of Matiss Kivlenieks, which Lukan tweeted as well.
Matiss Kivlenieks appeared in eight games for the Columbus Blue Jackets, the first being on January 19, 2020. Kivlenieks spent the majority of his career with Columbus’ AHL affiliate in Cleveland, a total of 85 games dating back to the 2017-18 season.
