A Finnish sports figure, recognized as the first ice hockey player from Finland to openly discuss being gay, was reportedly shot and killed by his former partner.
Janne Puhakka made headlines in 2019 when he courageously came out publicly. He had been in a relationship with 66-year-old Rolf Nordmo for five years leading up to that revelation.
On Sunday (October 13), the 29-year-old tragically lost his life while returning to his residence in Henttaa, Espoo, which he had shared with his ex-partner. The couple had broken up just a few weeks before this incident.
Local authorities indicated that Nordmo, who is from Norway, was present in the apartment when Puhakka arrived. Officials mentioned that the visit was for ‘the arrangement of practical matters’.
Matti Högman, leading the investigation, informed Finnish news outlet Yle that the meeting was intended to discuss ending their cohabitation.
Nordmo, who has three children from a previous marriage of 17 years before coming out as gay at 40, possessed a gun license in Norway. However, the force used against Puhakka was described as ‘excessive’.
A hunting shotgun was reportedly used in the attack on Puhakka, but the exact number of times it was fired remains unclear.
In a conversation with news agency STT, Högman mentioned having ‘reason to believe the suspect’s actions were deliberate and cruel’.
During the investigation, it was found that emergency services were not contacted until a friend of Puhakka visited the residence due to concern over the athlete’s lack of communication.
Puhakka’s hockey career included playing for Espoo Blues and Espoo United, culminating after the 2017/18 season.
He also played for Canadian team Chicoutimi Saguenéens and the French team Rapaces de Gap.
The relationship between Nordmo and Puhakka began online in 2014, and they soon began dating.
Puhakka previously shared about their relationship, stating: “We both had to battle with ourselves to get to the point we are now. We love each other and that’s all that matters.”
He once told Frenn: “When my sport career came to an end, I had to think what I would like to do next. Beside sports, fashion and clothing have always interested me.
“So it was quite natural to combine these two elements. Sportswear business is a perfect place for me to use my past experience and develop my future career goals.”
He also emphasized: “Physical and mental well-being of my family is the corner stone in my life. I have always valued healthy lifestyle and that’s what I am working for also today.”