The tragic news of Finland’s first openly gay ice hockey player being found lifeless at home has shocked the community. Authorities have taken a 65-year-old man, whom the victim was reportedly dating, into custody. The heartbreaking incident has deeply saddened the player’s parents and friends, leaving them devastated as they mourn the untimely loss of a beloved figure.
Key Takeaways
- Janne Puhakka, whose full name is Janne Tapio Puhakka, was born on February 24, 1995, in Espoo, Finland.
- He was raised in a prosperous home where he was always encouraged to pursue his hobbies and goals. He also has a sister, Johanna.
- He had been in a 10-year relationship with a man from Norway named Rolf Nordmo, who was 37 years older than him and the same age as his father.
Janne Puhakka, a 29-year-old Finnish ice hockey player, tragically passed away at his home in what is suspected to be a mur*er. His partner is currently the primary suspect in his death.
According to Finnish news outlet Ilta-Sanomat, police were called to Puhakka’s residence in Espoo, a city just outside Helsinki, on October 13 after a passerby alerted emergency services due to disturbing sounds they overheard.
Puhakka’s boyfriend, 65-year-old Norwegian veterinarian Rolf Nordmo, is believed to have fatally shot him in their shared home. This devastating incident has sent shockwaves through both the hockey community and Puhakka’s loved ones.
The heartbreaking news has shaken Finland and the global ice hockey community, as Puhakka was not only well-loved by his teammates but also made a lasting impact on many throughout his career. His death has left a profound sense of loss among those who knew him.
Puhakka’s parents and close friends are mourning his untimely passing, while teammates and colleagues have taken to social media to share cherished memories and heartfelt condolences.
The outpouring of support highlights the immense respect and affection he garnered both on and off the ice.
Janne Puhakka’s Parents And Personal Life
Janne Tapio Puhakka, born on February 24, 1995, in Espoo, Finland, was raised in a supportive and prosperous family environment.
Although little is known about his parents’ names or background, Puhakka’s family always encouraged him to pursue his passions. He also shared a close bond with his sister, Johanna.
Puhakka’s love for hockey began at the age of six, and by 2013, he had earned a bronze medal at the Under-18 World Championship.
His determination and talent propelled him to a professional career in 2015, playing for notable clubs across the globe, including the Chicoutimi Saguenéens in Canada, Espoo Blues, TUTO Hockey, Espoo United, and Rapaces de Gap in Finland.
Although Puhakka retired from hockey at 23, his impact on the ice was undeniable. His skill and dedication left an impression wherever he played.
After stepping away from the sport in 2018, Puhakka made the courageous decision to publicly come out as gay, revealing that he had long feared how his sexuality might affect his career and relationships within the sports world.
Despite those fears, his bravery has since made him a trailblazer for LGBTQ+ representation in hockey.
Janne Puhakka had been in a decade-long relationship with a Norwegian man named Rolf Nordmo, who was 37 years his senior—coincidentally the same age as Puhakka’s father.
Despite the significant age gap, the two shared a deep affection and a strong bond. Puhakka often spoke about the time they spent together and the unique challenges they faced as a couple, especially given that many people assumed they were father and son.
During Puhakka’s hockey career, he and Nordmo interacted with each other’s families, but in public, they maintained the appearance of being just friends or relatives.
Puhakka, who had not yet come out as gay at the time, preferred to avoid the spotlight and protect his privacy while playing professionally.
What has truly shocked those who knew Puhakka is the devastating revelation that the person he loved most—someone for whom he sacrificed his ice hockey career—could allegedly be responsible for his tragic death.
The heartbreaking turn of events has left many grappling with how such a close and cherished relationship could end in such a horrific act.
In Case You Didn’t Know
- The book Ulos kopista, authored by Puhaka and Risto Pakarinen, was released in February 2022.
- He was selected at the Queer of the Year event to be the 2022 role model.
- Puhakka was the first member of the SM league ice hockey team to come out as gay.