Police reportedly found former hockey star Janne Puhakka dead at the age of 29 and suspect his partner in his murder.
Puhakka — Finland’s first openly gay hockey player — was found shot to death in the Henttaa, Espoo home he shared with his 66-year-old partner, Rolf Nordmo, Sunday, according to local outlet Ilta Sonomat. Police said his death is being investigated as a homicide and Nordmo was arrested on-scene without incident, according to the outlet.
BOISBRIAND, QC – MARCH 2: Janne Puhakka #13 of the Chicoutimi Saguneens skates during the QMJHL game against the Blainville-Boisbriand Armada at the Centre d’Excellence Sports Rousseau on March 2, 2014 in Boisbriand, Quebec, Canada. The Armada defeated the Sagueneens 3-1. (Photo by Richard Wolowicz/Getty Images)
Puhakka was a beloved hockey player whose passion shone on the ice. He became active in the sport at just six years old, and kicked off his stint in the majors in 2015, according to TMZ. The professional athlete was signed on with the Blues, Espoo United and Rapaces de Gap. He was also signed on to the national team and took home the bronze medal in the 2013 Under 18 World Championship.
The famous hockey player publicly came out as gay after he retired from hockey, and revealed that he chose to keep details of his sexuality confidential while playing in order to avoid facing scrutiny by the world of sports. He penned a memoir that told the story of his journey titled “Ulos Kopista” in 2022.
The Rapaces de Gap team issued a statement after learning of Puhakka’s death, and openly grieved the loss of their teammate.
“We send our sincere condolences to his family, his relatives and all his former teammates,” they wrote on social media. (RELATED: Johnny Gaudreau’s Sister Breaks Her Silence After Losing Two Brothers The Day Before Her Wedding)
“Presenting in the team during the 2017/2018 season, Janne marked the staff and his teammates with his kindness and team spirit.”
The circumstances surrounding Puhakka’s death remain under investigation at this time, law enforcement told Ilta Sanomat.
This article was originally published at dailycaller.com
