An initial autopsy report determined Columbus Blue Jackets goalie Matiss Kivlenieks died from a "percussive injury," the extreme force that can be caused by exploding fireworks, Novi police confirmed Monday afternoon. He suffered major damage to his heart and lungs, police said.
Kivlenieks died Sunday night after a fireworks mishap at a Novi holiday house party. He was 24.
Initial reports, including a team statement from the Blue Jackets, cited a head injury, which he did suffer while trying to get out of a hot tub during the fireworks mishap. Novi Police Lt. Jason Meier said Kivlenieks slipped trying to get out of the hot tub, and hit his head on the concrete.