Finnish hockey player Janne Puhakka died at the age of 29 as a result of a murder committed in his home. The prime suspect in his death is his own partner.
According to Finnish news website Ilta-SanomatOn October 13, police were called to Puhakka's home after a bystander called emergency services concerned about what he had heard. Puhakka is thought to have died after being shot in the hands of his partner, 66-year-old Norwegian veterinarian Rolf Nordmo. The incident took place at the house they shared in the city of Espoo, outside Helsinki.
“We have a pretty good understanding of what happened,” said crime commissioner and head of investigation Matti Högman. Ilta-Sanomat. “But of course we only suspect [Nordmo of murder] and the investigation is in its early stages.”
Högman believes the possible murder was likely “particularly crude and cruel.” Nordmo was arrested at the scene without incident and is currently being questioned.
Puhakka started playing hockey in his childhood and won a bronze medal at the Under-18 World Championship in 2013. He made his professional debut in 2015 and has played for various teams around the world, including Canada's Chicoutimi Saguenéens, Finland's Espoo Blues, TUTO Hockey. Espoo United and France's Rapaces de Gap.
Puhakka made history by becoming the first Finnish major league hockey player to come out as gay. He published a memoir Ulos Kopista (Outside the Stand) admitted that he opened up about his sexuality to avoid any scrutiny in the sports world after retiring from hockey in 2022.
Rapaces de Gap mourned the passing of his former player in a touching Instagram post.
“We have learned with great sadness the death of Janne Puhakka,” the statement said. It was said. “On the team during the 2017-2018 season, Janne showed his kindness and team spirit to the staff and teammates. We extend our sincerest condolences to his family, relatives and all former teammates.”
View this post on Instagram