The cause of his death is still unknown. This Tuesday, the Norwegian Biathlon Association announced the sudden death of Sivert Guttorm Bakken. The 27-year-old biathlete was found dead in his hotel room located at the Col de Lavazè, in Italy, a few days after the World Cup stage in France, in Grand-Bornand.
“The cause of death is currently not known,” we read in the federation’s press release. Our thoughts go first and foremost to Sivert’s family and all his loved ones. We are cooperating with the Italian authorities on site. »
“A model, a source of inspiration”
A crisis unit has been set up to take care of his partners in the Norwegian team and his relatives. “Teammates ask for calm and respect during this difficult time,” the press release said. A memorial ceremony is planned for Tuesday evening in Norway.
“It is extremely sad and unfair that someone dies so young, so suddenly,” said his former teammate Johannes Thingnes Boe. He was finally back where he wanted to be. He proved it to all of us. He still had a great career ahead of him, I’m sure, and he could have gone very far. »
“Sivert, you were one of the bravest,” Sturla Laegreid continued on Instagram. You had the ability to get out of the most difficult situations. Where everyone else would have given up, you gave it your all. You were a model, a source of inspiration, you had an unwavering will that the rest of us could only dream of. Thanks for everything. »
Heart problems in 2022
Sivert Guttorm Bakken was present during the Biathlon World Cup round in Grand-Bornand last weekend before flying to Italy for an internship with his teammates. On Sunday, he finished the mass start in 20th place. He had already been 18th in the pursuit the day before and 5th in the sprint on Friday.
In October 2022, the Norwegian announced he was taking a break from his career because of a heart problem that the Norwegian Federation doctor attributed to an injection of the Covid-19 vaccine. He returned to competition in November 2024.
