Finland’s first openly g@y ice hockey player found ‘m*rdered’ at home
Finland has been rocked by the tragic death of its first openly g@y ice hockey player, Janne Puhakka, who was found dead at his home under suspicious circumstances.
The 29-year-old athlete was discovered at the residence he shared with his partner, Rolf Nordmo, 65, in Espoo, Finland, on the evening of Sunday, October 13. Authorities suspect that Puhakka was the victim of a shooting.
Nordmo has been taken into custody, although the police have not officially confirmed the identities of either the victim or the suspect. Lead investigator Matti Högman revealed to the STT news agency that the incident is being treated as a possible homicide. “The suspect and the victim were known to each other. That much I can say,” Högman stated.
In a separate interview with Finnish broadcaster Yle, Högman emphasized that investigators have reason to believe the crime was premeditated, pointing to evidence that suggests deliberate planning before the fatal act.
Tributes have poured in for Puhakka, with notable figures such as former Finnish Prime Minister Sanna Marin expressing their condolences and honoring his legacy in both the sports world and the LGBTQ+ community. The news has sent shockwaves throughout the country, as the investigation continues to unfold.
She shared a photo of the former ice hockey player with a broken love heart emoji.
Police of Finland said in a statement: “The crime is currently being investigated by the Western Uusimaa Police as a homicide.
