The 27-year-old Sivert Guttorm Bakken died in a training camp – now a law firm is helping the family. Questions about the cause of death remain open.
The Norwegian Ski Federation and the family of Sivert Guttorm Bakken have engaged a law firm after his sudden death in Italy. “This is a common mandate to act as a link between the Italian authorities and the bereaved, and to help with the repatriation of the deceased,” lawyer Bernt Heiberg told the broadcaster TV2 .
Bakken was found dead in his hotel room in the high-altitude camp of Lavazè in South Tyrol earlier this week. He was 27 years old. According to the law firm, there are currently no indications of foul play. The exact cause of death remains unclear.
Bakken Wore an Altitude Training Mask
The Norwegian Ski Federation announced on Wednesday that Bakken was wearing an altitude training mask when he was found. Whether there is a connection with the death is currently under investigation. No further statements from the law firm are expected until the provisional autopsy report is available early next week.
Bakken celebrated his first World Cup victory in Oslo in 2022 and won the mass start classification. Later, he was diagnosed with myocarditis. In November 2024, he returned to competitive sports. Just a few days ago, he had competed in the World Cup in Le Grand Bornand.
Bakken’s death caused great dismay in the biathlon world. “His death at such a young age is incomprehensible,” said IBU President Olle Dahlin. Norwegian record world champion Johannes Thingnes Bö called him “one of the greatest talents in the history of Norwegian biathlon.”