Columbus Blue Jackets goaltender Matiss Kivlenieks has died at the age of 24 after suffering an apparent head injury in a 4 July fireworks-related accident.
Police, fire and medical crews were called to a private address in Novi, Michigan on Sunday evening.
Lieutenant Jason Meier of the Novi Police Department told ESPN: "There appears to have been a fireworks malfunction, which caused a group of people to flee from the hot tub, including the deceased, who slipped and hit his head on the concrete."
Kivlenieks' death was confirmed by his club in a statement on its official website on Monday.
The statement said: "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."
The Blue Jackets' president of hockey operations John Davidson added: "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.
"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 organisation will not be forgotten."
Kivlenieks, who represented Latvia at the IIHF World Championships earlier this year, joined the Blue Jackets as a free agent in May 2017 and made his NHL debut against the New York Rangers at at Madison Square Garden in January 2020.
