The first openly gay professional hockey player in Finland, Janne Puhakka, was shot to death, as he was found dead in a Henttaa Espoo apartment on Saturday. The suspected killer is a former partner named Rolf Nordmo, and he has now admitted to committing the crime.
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According to reports, the 66-year-old veterinarian from Norway told police that him and Puhakka, who was 29 years old, broke up a few weeks back. As a result, Puhakka moved out of their apartment that they once shared.
Even so, the two evidently still kept in contact despite the breakup, as there was an arranged meeting between the two over that weekend, and this is when Nordmo fired his shotgun, which took the life of Puhakka.
Reportedly, a friend of Puhakka is the one who discovered this tragedy, as he went to their residence after being unable to contact Janne for some time. Subsequently law enforcement was called and Nordmo was taken in, who has since confessed.
The investigation revealed that Nordmo had a permit to own the gun, but it was ultimately used as a murder weapon.
Despite, the 37-year age gap, both men met in 2014 and went on to date over the last decade. However, Puhakka did not come out as gay until after his retirement from hockey, where he played left wing for the Blues, Espoo United, and Rapaces de Gap. Not to mention, Puhakka also played on the Finnish national team, winning a bronze medal in the 2013 U18 World Championship.
Puhakka revealed his sexuality in a book that he wrote called "Ulos Kopista" back in 2022.
The tragic death has saddened the hearts of many, as his former team Les Rapaces de Gap has released a statement, when translated it reads:
"It is with great sadness that we learned of the death of Janne Puhakka, former player of the Rapaces de Gap. Present within the team during the 2017/2018 season, Janne marked the staff and his teammates with his kindness and team spirit."
C'est avec beaucoup de tristesse que nous avons appris le décès de Janne Puhakka, ancien joueur des Rapaces de Gap. 🕊️
Présent au sein de l'équipe durant la saison 2017/2018, Janne a marqué le staff et ses coéquipiers par sa gentillesse et son esprit d'équipe. pic.twitter.com/9woLUnPoQz
— Les Rapaces de Gap (@Lesrapacesdegap) October 14, 2024
