Firework Accident In Novi Kills NHL Goalie Matiss Kivlenieks

NOVI, MI — A Columbus Blue Jackets goalie who died on the Fourth of July during a fireworks accident died from "chest trauma," according to an autopsy.

Matiss Kivlenieks was killed by an errant fireworks mortar blast in what authorities on Monday described as a tragic accident, The Associated Press reported. Kivlenieks, 24, was in a hot tub at the home of former Red Wings player Manny Legace when a firework tilted slightly and started to fire toward people Sunday night, according to The Detroit News.

A prior report by officials said Kivlenieks had died from a head injury during a fall, but the autopsy clarified his cause of death, The Associated Press reported.

"At the moment, we're pretty certain this was a tragic accident," Novi police Lt. Jason Meier said, according to the Associated Press.

Related: Blue Jackets Matiss Kivlenieks Dies In Novi Home Accident

Novi police received a call shortly after 10 p.m. Sunday, and Kivlenieks was transported to Ascension Providence Hospital in Novi, where he was pronounced dead, the Detroit News reported.

The Columbus Blue Jackets said on Twitter, "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. Please keep his family in your thoughts and prayers. Rest in peace, Kivi."

The National Hockey League issued a statement Monday morning also.

"It is with profound sadness that the Columbus Blue Jackets announce goaltender Matiss Kivlenieks passed away last night at the age of 24 as the result of a tragic accident. The Riga, Latvia native suffered an apparent head injury in a fall. Medical personnel were called immediately, but he succumbed a short time later."

How the events of Sunday night unfolded came into focus Monday, as Meier said the autopsy findings prompted officers to re-interview some witnesses, according to The Associated Press. He said police will continue trying to interview as many people as they can who were present at the time.

"We're starting to put together a pretty good picture of what occurred," Meier said.

Information and reporting from The Associated Press and Patch reporter Marlene Lang contributed to this report.