In a heartbreaking incident, Janne Puhakka, Finland’s first openly gay ice hockey player, was found dead in his home on October 13, 2024. The shocking discovery was made in Espoo, where he shared his life with his partner, Rolf Nordmo, a 65-year-old man. The circumstances surrounding Puhakka’s death have led authorities to suspect foul play, with police indicating that it may have been a murder.
Emergency services received a call around 8 p.m. on Sunday, alerting them to a potential violent crime at the couple’s apartment. Responding swiftly, several patrols from the Western Uusimaa and Helsinki police departments arrived at the scene. Upon investigation, officers discovered Puhakka’s body and subsequently arrested Nordmo at the apartment without incident.
Lead investigator Matti Högman has confirmed that both the suspect and the victim were known to each other, which has raised suspicions about the nature of the incident. Högman stated, “The act is believed to have been premeditated,” suggesting that the police view the situation as serious and deliberate.
As the investigation progresses, authorities are treating the case as a homicide. Initial reports indicate that Nordmo is suspected of using a firearm in the incident. The police have reassured the public that the crime did not pose a danger to bystanders and that no other suspects are currently believed to be involved.
The news of Puhakka’s death has sent shockwaves through the community, especially among those in the sports world. Tributes have flooded in, highlighting his role as a trailblazer for LGBTQ+ representation in sports. Former Finnish Prime Minister Sanna Marin paid her respects by sharing a photo of Puhakka on social media, accompanied by a broken heart emoji, expressing deep sorrow over the loss.
Authorities are committed to thoroughly investigating the motive behind this tragic event. The police will conduct a technical investigation of the crime scene and have plans to interrogate the suspect further. As the investigation continues, officials have indicated that the charges against Nordmo could evolve, depending on the findings.
