Blue Jackets' Matiss Kivlenieks 'saved' Elvis Merzlikins, pregnant wife on night of tragic death

Columbus Blue Jackets goaltender Matiss Kivlenieks lost his life July 4 at the home of Columbus goaltending coach Manny Legace in Novi, Mich., due to a tragic accident involving a mortar-style firework. 

Per Columbus' 10TV, teammate and fellow goalie Elvis Merzlikins explained during a Thursday memorial service that Kivlenieks died a hero and kept both Merzlikins and his pregnant wife safe. 

"He saved not just many lives," Merzlikins said. "He saved my son, he saved my wife, and he saved me." 

Merzlikins added his son's second name will be Matiss to honor somebody the goaltender considered a "little brother." 

Kivlenieks, who would've turned 25 years old next month, reportedly died when he was struck in the chest by an errant firework while inside a hot tub. He was later pronounced dead at a local hospital due to a fatal chest trauma. 

The Novi Police Department is not requesting charges, but Lt. Jason Meier told reporters Monday that the investigation was turned over to a prosecutor for another review. 

"Due to the high-profile nature, we wanted an extra set of eyes [on the case]," Meier said at that time. 

Kivlenieks and Merzlikins were reportedly attending a wedding celebration for Legace’s daughter that weekend.