Finland’s First Openly Gay Ice Hockey Player Janne Puhakka Found Dead in Suspected Shooting

Finland’s first openly gay ice hockey player, Janne Puhakka, was found dead in his home in Espoo on Sunday evening following a suspected shooting. The 29-year-old athlete was discovered at his shared residence with his partner, Rolf Nordmo, 65.

Police have arrested a 65-year-old man who was known to Puhakka and emerged from the home, though they have not confirmed the identities of either the suspect or the victim. Lead investigator Matti Högman indicated to the STT news agency that authorities suspect a deliberate killing, stating, “The suspect and victim knew each other. That much I can say.” He further noted that police have reason to believe the act was premeditated.

Tributes have poured in for Puhakka, including a heartfelt message from former Finnish Prime Minister Sanna Marin, who shared a photo of the former ice hockey player and a broken heart emoji.

Puhakka, 29, was in a relationship with Rolf Nordmo, 65 (Picture: Janne Puhakka/SWNS)

The Western Uusimaa Police are currently investigating the case as a homicide. In a statement, they confirmed that both the victim and the suspect are adult males.

Police received an emergency call reporting a suspected violent crime at an apartment in Henttaa, Espoo, around 8 p.m. on October 13. Several patrols from the Western Uusimaa and Helsinki police departments were dispatched to the scene.

Candles and tributes have been left outside the apartment where Puhakka was found dead (Picture: Shutterstock)

Upon arrival, officers apprehended a man at the apartment. According to police, the suspect, aged approximately 65, is suspected of committing the homicide with a firearm. The arrest proceeded as planned, with the suspect exiting the apartment voluntarily.

Police described the victim as a man in his early thirties and stated that the incident did not pose a danger to bystanders. The investigation is classified under manslaughter, but charges may evolve as more information comes to light. Authorities are conducting a technical investigation at the scene and plan to interrogate the suspect to determine the motive behind the act.

Puhakka first came out as gay in 2019 (Picture: Shutterstock)

Galop, the UK’s LGBT+ anti-abuse charity, expressed condolences for Puhakka’s loved ones, stating, “Our thoughts are with Janne Puhakka’s loved ones following his murder on Sunday evening. While the investigation is ongoing and the motives have not yet been confirmed, we know this news will have impacted the whole LGBT+ community, particularly those who have experienced violence and abuse in their home.”

The police have pledged to provide further information as the investigation progresses.