A former Finnish ice hockey player has tragically been found dead in what authorities are investigating as a suspected murder.
Janne Puhakka, 29, was discovered lifeless at the residence he shared with his 65-year-old partner, Norwegian veterinarian Rolf Nordmo, in Henttaa, Espoo, on Sunday evening.
Puhakka, who had previously played for Espoo Blues and Espoo United before retiring from professional hockey at the close of the 2017-2018 season, met Nordmo in 2014. After just one week of communication, the couple reportedly connected online and developed a deep relationship.
Janne Puhakka Cause Of Death
According to Finnish newspaper Ilta-Sanomat, Janne Puhakka’s death is being investigated as a suspected murder, with a 65-year-old suspect arrested at the scene on suspicion of fatally shooting the former ice hockey player.
The case has shocked Finland, prompting tributes from notable figures, including former Finnish Prime Minister Sanna Marin, who shared an image of Puhakka on Instagram alongside a broken heart emoji.
Police Investigate Suspected Murder of Janne Puhakka
Detective Inspector Matti Högman revealed to news agency STT that there is “reason to believe the suspect’s actions were deliberate and cruel,” and confirmed that the suspect and victim had a personal connection.
The investigation is ongoing as authorities work to uncover further details surrounding the tragedy.
Janne Puhakka muutti ja maalasi suomalaisen urheilukulttuurin sielunmaisemaa kauniimmaksi.
— Eero Tuominen (@EHTuominen) October 14, 2024
Sitä on todellinen mestaruus.
🌹 pic.twitter.com/HF1SzXU47h
Authorities Examine Weapon in Ongoing Investigation
On Sunday evening, a bystander alerted the police to the couple’s apartment, suspecting a violent crime had occurred. Upon arrival, authorities discovered Janne Puhakka’s body and a 65-year-old man was taken into custody.
Police are now investigating the weapon used in the incident, determining whether it was licensed as part of their ongoing inquiry into the tragic death of the former ice hockey player.
Who was Janne Puhakka?
Janne Puhakka, born and raised in Espoo, Finland, made his mark in North American junior hockey, playing for the QMJHL’s Chicoutimi Saguenéens between 2013 and 2015. During his two seasons there, he accumulated 76 points across 140 regular-season and playoff games.
Upon returning to Finland, Puhakka played 40 games for his hometown team, the Espoo Blues, in Liiga during the 2015-16 season, scoring a goal and an assist. He then transitioned to Finland’s second-tier league, Mestis, before closing his career in the 2017-18 season with Gap Rapaces in France’s Ligue Magnus.
Rest in Peace Janne Puhakka (1995-2024), the first openly gay ice hockey player in the Finnish Elite League (Liiga) ❤️🩹
— ilya 🐻❄️🐻 (@kotikappa) October 14, 2024
According to the Finnish police his own partner shot Janne in their home on Sunday.
My heart's so heavy, my condolences to his family and friends 🫂 pic.twitter.com/Zdz8DeOGwK
