NHL goalie Kivlenieks dies in fireworks accident

By Emre Asikci

ISTANBUL (AA) - Matiss Kivlenieks, a Latvian-born goalie for the Columbus Blue Jackets, died after being struck by fireworks over the US Independence Day weekend, the hockey team announced on Monday.

"It’s with a very heavy heart that we share the news that goaltender Matiss Kivlenieks passed away last night at the age of 24. We are heartbroken," the National Hockey League team said in a statement.

Medical reports said he suffered a chest injury from fireworks, which are part of traditional displays on US July 4 holiday weekends.

Kivlenieks, 24, who signed with Columbus as a free agent in 2017, went 2-2-2 with a 3.09 goals-against average and .899 save percentage in eight career games with the club.