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. Mandatory Credit: Aaron Doster-USA TODAY Sports
Tragedy has struck the Columbus Blue Jackets organization hard. Young goaltender, Matiss Kivlenieks died Sunday in what the team called a “tragic accident.” He was 24.
The Blue Jackets said he died from a head injury sustained in a fall but offered no additional details.
“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,” John Davidson, president of hockey operations, said in a team statement.