Blue Jackets goalie Matiss Kivlenieks dead at 24 in ‘tragic accident’

Blue Jackets goaltender Matiss Kivlenieks died Sunday night as a result of what the organization described as a “tragic accident,” in which he suffered an apparent head injury after a fall. He was 24.

In a statement Monday morning, the Blue Jackets said medical personnel was called immediately to attend to Kivlenieks, but he succumbed to his injuries a short time later. “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,” Blue Jackets president of hockey operations John Davidson said in a statement. “Kivi was an outstanding young man who greeted every day and everyone with a smile and the impact he had during his four years with our organization will not be forgotten.”