Blue Jackets goaltender Matiss Kivlenieks has passed away at age 24
The Columbus Blue Jackets announced on Monday that 24-year-old goaltender Matiss Kivlenieks passed away on Sunday night as the result of a tragic accident.
“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,” said Blue Jackets President of Hockey Operations John Davidson. “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.”
According to the team’s statement, Kivlenieks suffered a head injury in a fall. While medical professionals were called to the scene immediately, Kivlenieks succumbed a short time later.
Multiple members of the Blue Jackets, including general manager Jarmo Kekalainen, have offered condolences and messages for Kivlenieks on social media…
Life is so precious and can be so fragile. Hug your loved ones today. RIP Matiss, you will be dearly missed.
— Jarmo Kekalainen (@jkekalainen) July 5, 2021
Words are hard to find right now, but the day we put the same jersey on meant that we would be family forever. When my kids play Kivi “the kid” in goal it will have a greater meaning!! RIP kid, love you brother 😢 #cbj #familyforever pic.twitter.com/J2te4QuAB9
— Nathan Gerbe (@NathanGerbe14) July 5, 2021
Seeing all the beautiful tributes to Matiss only further cements what kind of person he was! What a tragic loss for all of us who knew him and I am thinking and praying for his family. Heaven gained a darn good goalie and better person… Just, way too soon.
RIP Kivi! 🙏😢❤️ https://t.co/k2XWVXmfYE
— Nick Foligno (@NickFoligno) July 5, 2021
Kivlenieks was signed by the Blue Jackets as an undrafted free agent back in 2017 after posting a .932 save percentage in the USHL. He spent 2017-18 and 2018-19 in the AHL and made his NHL debut in January of 2020, posting 31 saves in a win over the New York Rangers.