What was Blue Jackets player Matiss Kivlenieks cause of death?
COLUMBUS Blue Jackets player Matiss Kivleniek has passed away at the age of 24. The hockey star died on July 4, 2021, confirmed the National Hockey League. Matiss Kivlenieks passed away after hitting his head during a fall, despite getting treated by medical professionals at the time. In a statement, the Columbus Blue Jackets said: "Its 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 team's president of operations, John Davidson, added that the team is "shocked and saddened" by his death, dubbing Kivlenieks an "outstanding young man." Kivlenieks was undrafted but signed with Columbus as a free agent in 2017. He made his NHL debut at Madison Square Garden on January 19, 2020. The hockey player stopped 31 of 32 shots to beat the New York Rangers 2-1. 4 Kivlenieks made his NHL debut in 2020 Credit: AP  Kivlenieks started in two games for the Blue Jackets last season and had played for Latvia at the IIHF World Championships. He played in eight total games in his NHL career and was expected to compete for more playing time next season. He was spending his summer in the US, where he passed away. Upon the news of his passing, Blue Jackets captain Nick Foligno told ESPN in a text message that it was a hard day for a lot of people in that organization." Foligno added: One thing I loved and appreciated about him was he had a great smile and always was in a good mood. "I know it's clich, but that's exactly the kind of guy he was. Just enjoying his life as a 24-year-old living out his dream and you could tell he didn't take one day for granted which makes this tragedy even more hard to bear! Praying for his family and all of us who knew him.  4 Kivlenieks passed away in the US, where he was spending his summer Credit: AP  Fans of the sport took to Twitter to wish Kivlenieks their condolences after the Blue Jackets announced his passing. One fan wrote: All of my thoughts go to Matiss Kivlenieks and his loves ones. Rest in Peace Matiss.  A second replied: I'm praying for his family and the team today. What a terrible thing to wake up to this morning. Amazing to see everyone talk about him in such a positive light. What a huge loss for everyone.  Another wrote: This is terrible, life lost way too soon. Thoughts to his family, friends and the Blue Jackets organization.  NHL Commissioner Gary Bettman released a statement on Kivlenieks death, saying that the player will be deeply missed by all those who have been fortunate to have him as a teammate and friend.