Blue Jackets goaltender Matiss Kivlenieks was at the home of Columbus goaltending coach, Manny Legace, when the fireworks accident happened that led to his death on Sunday, multiple sources confirmed to ESPN.
Kivlenieks and teammate Elvis Merzlikins traveled to Novi, Michigan, where Legace lives, to celebrate July Fourth, as well as the wedding of Legace's daughter over the holiday weekend.
Legace, 48, has worked with the Blue Jackets since 2018 and had an 11-year NHL career, including winning a Stanley Cup with the Red Wings in 2002.
An autopsy revealed on Monday that Kivlenieks died from chest trauma from a mortar-style firework at a backyard celebration.