From what we understand, Matisse Kivlenieks was in a hot tub in Michigan with some friends when a fireworks display got out of hand. (don’t get me started on outlawing personal use FW)
While fleeing the hot tub, Matisse slipped and hit his head on the concrete. He determined dead on the scene.
Novi (Michigan) Police Lieutenant Jason Meier said a mortar-style firework tilted slightly after being ignited and started firing toward a crowd of people during the July 4 celebration.
‘At the moment, we’re pretty certain this was a tragic accident,’ Meier said.
Kivlenieks most recently represented Latvia this spring at the world hockey championship in which he played four games. He played two games for the Blue Jackets and eight for the American Hockey League’s Cleveland Monsters this past season.