The tragic death of Matiss Kivlenieks, a young and promising NHL goaltender, sent shockwaves throughout the hockey world and beyond. On July 4th, 2021, the Latvian native lost his life at the age of 24 due to a freak accident at a Fourth of July gathering in Novi, Michigan.
Matiss Kivlenieks was a rising star in the hockey community, with a bright future ahead of him. In this post, we will take a closer look at the life and career of Matiss Kivlenieks, as well as the events leading up to his sudden and heartbreaking death.
Early Life and Career
Matiss Kivlenieks was born on August 26th, 1996 in Riga, Latvia. He began playing hockey at a young age and quickly developed a passion for the sport. In 2015, Kivlenieks moved to the United States to pursue a career in hockey.
Kivlenieks played junior hockey for the Coulee Region Chill of the North American Hockey League (NAHL). In 2017, he signed with the Columbus Blue Jackets after going undrafted in the NHL Entry Draft.
NHL Career
Kivlenieks spent most of his time with the Cleveland Monsters, the Blue Jackets’ AHL affiliate, but he also played eight games with the big club over the last two seasons. He made his NHL debut on January 19th, 2020.
Net Worth
As of 2021, Matiss Kivlenieks’ net worth was estimated to be around $2 million. He earned the majority of his income from his career as a professional hockey player.
Family and Personal Life
Matiss Kivlenieks was the son of Oļģerts Kivlenieks, a former Latvian national team goaltender. He had two younger sisters, and his family was deeply involved in hockey.
Final Moments
On July 4th, 2021, Kivlenieks attended a Fourth of July gathering at the home of his Columbus Blue Jackets teammate, Elvis Merzlikins. While attempting to exit a hot tub, Kivlenieks slipped and hit his head on the concrete. He was transported to the hospital, where he was pronounced dead.
Investigation and Report
The Oakland County Medical Examiner found that Kivlenieks died as a result of chest trauma due to a fireworks mortar blast. No charges were filed in connection with his death.
Legacy and Impact
Matiss Kivlenieks’ death was a profound shock to the hockey community, and it sparked a renewed conversation about the dangers of fireworks. Tributes poured in from across the NHL, with players, coaches, and fans paying their respects to a young athlete taken too soon.
Conclusion
The life and career of Matiss Kivlenieks were marked by passion, dedication, and an unwavering commitment to his craft. Though he was taken from us far too soon, his memory lives on in the countless lives he touched throughout his time on and off the ice.
FAQs:
1. What caused Matiss Kivlenieks’ death?
Matiss Kivlenieks died as a result of chest trauma due to a fireworks mortar blast.
2. How old was Matiss Kivlenieks when he died?
Matiss Kivlenieks was 24 years old when he died.
3. Where was Matiss Kivlenieks from?
Matiss Kivlenieks was from Riga, Latvia.
4. Did Matiss Kivlenieks have any siblings?
Yes, Matiss Kivlenieks had two younger sisters.
5. How much was Matiss Kivlenieks’ net worth?
Matiss Kivlenieks’ net worth was estimated to be around $2 million.