Finland’s first openly gay ice hockey player, Janne Puhakka, 29, was found dead in his home following an apparent shooting incident. Puhakka was discovered on the evening of Sunday, October 13, at the residence he shared with his partner, 65-year-old Rolf Nordmo, in Espoo, Finland.
Nordmo has been arrested, but authorities have not officially confirmed the identities of either the suspect or the victim. Lead investigator Matti Högman stated that police believe the incident was a deliberate act, saying, “The suspect and victim knew each other.” He also mentioned that there is reason to believe the crime was premeditated.
Tributes for Puhakka have poured in, including one from former Finnish Prime Minister Sanna Marin, who shared a photo of the athlete along with a broken heart emoji.
In a statement, Finland’s police explained that the Western Uusimaa Police are investigating the case as a hom!cide. They responded to a call about a v!olent crime at an apartment in Espoo around 8 pm on October 13. Several police units arrived, apprehended a 65-year-old man, and reported that the arrest went smoothly, with the suspect voluntarily surrendering. The victim was identified as a man in his 30s, and the suspect is accused of using a firearm.
Police emphasized that there was no risk to the public, and no other individuals were involved. The investigation, currently classified as m*nslaughter, is ongoing, and further details will be provided as it progresses.