Blue Jackets goaltender Matiss Kivlenieks passed away Sunday night as an outcome of what the organization referred to as a “tragic mishap,” in which he suffered an evident head injury after a fall. He was 24.

Matiss Kivlenieks official headshot.Getty Images

After signing with heaven Jackets as a totally free agent in 2017, Kivlenieks made his NHL launching at Madison Square Garden on Jan. 19, 2020. He turned aside 31 of the 32 shots he dealt with to raise Columbus to a 2-1 triumph over the Rangers.

Kivlenieks, who was called the 2017 USHL Player of the Year, finishes his NHL career with a 2-2-2 record and a 3.09 goals-against average with a. 899 conserve portion.

Michigan cops told the Associated Press that Kivlenieks was trying to leap out of a hot tub with others after a fireworks breakdown before he slipped and struck his head on concrete. He was noticable dead on the scene after medical personnel showed up.

” Life is so valuable and can be so delicate,” Blue Jackets general manager Jarmo Kekalainen tweeted. “Hug your loved ones today. RIP Matiss, you will be very much missed.”

” The National Hockey League was distressed to learn of the unexpected and terrible death of goaltender Matiss Kivlenieks,” NHL Commissioner Gary Bettman stated in a statement Monday.

Kivlenieks, who had just recently competed for his native country Latvia at the IIHF World Championships, began in 2 games for Columbus this NHL season. The undrafted netminder had six NHL starts and eight looks to his name dating back to 2019-20. He was anticipated to contend for more playing time next season.

” We are shocked and saddened by the loss of Matiss Kivlenieks, and we extend our inmost sympathies to his mother, Astrida, his friends and family during this destructive time,” Blue Jackets president of hockey operations John Davidson said in a declaration. “Kivi was an outstanding boy who greeted every day and everybody with the impact and a smile he had throughout his 4 years with our organization will not be forgotten.”

In a declaration Monday morning, the Blue Jackets said medical personnel was called instantly to address Kivlenieks, however he caught his injuries a brief time later.

Hug your enjoyed ones today. RIP Matiss, you will be a lot missed out on.

Kivlenieks, who had just recently contended for his native country Latvia at the IIHF World Championships, started in 2 games for Columbus this NHL season.” Life is so precious and can be so fragile,” Blue Jackets general manager Jarmo Kekalainen tweeted. RIP Matiss, you will be a lot missed out on.”

” The National Hockey League was distressed to discover of the unexpected and terrible passing of goaltender Matiss Kivlenieks,” NHL Commissioner Gary Bettman said in a statement Monday. “On behalf of the NHL household, we extend our inmost sympathies to his family, good friends and colleagues in both the Blue Jackets organization and his native country of Latvia. His love for life and passion for the game will be deeply missed out on by all those who have been lucky to have him as a teammate and a good friend.”

Matiss Kivlenieks with the Blue Jackets in 2021. Getty Images