Oilers prospect Kristians Pelss was confirmed dead Saturday. The 20-year-old had been missing in his home country of Latvia. Early reports indicated that he had drowned after diving into the Daugava River and officials confirmed finding his body. "TheÿEdmonton Oilersÿare deeply saddened by the loss ofÿKristians Pelss, a young man who played in our organization," the team said in a statement. "Kristians had gone missing earlier in the week after returning home to Riga, Latvia, for the offseason. Exact details in regards to what led to this tragedy remain unclear. He was just 20 years old." Pelss was a seventh-round pick in the 2010 draft who had eight points for the Oilers' AHL affiliate.

The Edmonton Oilers have released a statement on missing prospect Kristians Pelss. There were reports that Pelss, 20, had drowned in Latvia, but those reports are unconfirmed. "The Edmonton Oilers organization, including the Edmonton Oil Kings, Oklahoma City Barons and affiliate Stockton Thunder, is aware of the reports regarding Kristians Pelss going missing while visiting Riga, Latvia, this week," the Oilers said in their statement. "There has been contradictory information reported, at times, and we are trying to confirm the facts. Once we are able to do that, we will be able to offer further comment. At this time, our thoughts and prayers are with the Pelss family. Kristians spent two years with the Oil Kings before beginning his pro career in the Oilers system, splitting last season between the Barons and the Thunder."

Kristians Pelss has reportedly drowned back home in Latvia. The 20-year-old Oilers prospect, who played this past season in AHL Oklahoma City and Stockton of the ECHL, is believed to have leaped to his death Tuesday from a bridge in Riga. Latvian Hockey Federation spokesman Maris Gorbunov said he couldn't confirm or deny reports and a state police spokesman couldn't comment until the search is completed and the missing person is found. We'll keep you posted on this tragic story once more information is known.