A Finnish sporting icon who became the first ice hockey player in the nation to speak candidly about being gay, was allegedly shot dead by his ex-boyfriend.
Janne Puhakka made history in 2019 when he made the bold decision to come out to the world, and had been dating 66-year-old Rolf Nordmo for five years prior to that.
Janne Puhakka and Rolf Nordmo had been dating since they met online in 2014 (Instagram/@jannepuhakka)
On Sunday (October 13), the 29-year-old was tragically killed when returning to his home in Henttaa, Espoo, which he shared with his former lover, with the pair having split just weeks previous.
According to local police, Nordmo, of Norway, was staying in their apartment when Puhakka returned – the reason for the visit officials site as ‘the arrangement of practical matters’.
The head of the investigation, Matti Högman, explained to Finnish publication Yle that they were due to talk about ending cohabitation.
The Finnish cop explained that Nordmo, who has three children from his ex-wife who he was married to for 17 years prior to coming out as gay when he was 40, had a permit to possess a gun in Norway, but the violence used against Puhakka was ‘more than necessary’.
Janne Puhakka pictured playing for Canadian outfit Chicoutimi Saguneens in 2014 (Richard Wolowicz/Getty Images)
He went on to explain that a hunting shotgun was fired at Puhakka, although it is not yet understood how many times it was discharged.
Speaking to news agency STT, Högman stated that he has ‘reason to believe the suspect’s actions were deliberate and cruel’.
Investigations into his death has revealed that emergency services weren’t called until a friend of Puhaka went round to their house because he was concerned he hadn’t heard from the athlete.
Puhakka played for Espoo Blues and Espoo United in his hockey career, which ended following the conclusion of the 2017/18 season.
The hockey star also played for Canadian outfit Chicoutimi Saguenéens, and also in France for Rapaces de Gap.
Nordmo and Puhakka met online back in 2014 and started dating shortly after.
The 29-year-old posted a picture of him enjoying a picnic by the water just three months before his death (Instagram/@jannepuhakka)
Speaking on their relationship previously, Puhakka said: “We both had to battle with ourselves to get to the point we are now. We love each other and that’s all that matters.”
While he told Frenn: “When my sport career came to an end, I had to think what I would like to do next. Beside sports, fashion and clothing have always interested me.
“So it was quite natural to combine these two elements. Sportswear business is a perfect place for me to use my past experience and develop my future career goals.”
He added: “Physical and mental well-being of my family is the corner stone in my life. I have always valued healthy lifestyle and that’s what I am working for also today.”