Biathlonist Sivert Guttorm Bakken has died

Norwegian biathlete Sivert Guttorm Bakken has died at the age of 27.

Bakken’s death was announced by the Norwegian Biathlon Union. The matter was reported by, among others, Maa public broadcaster NRK.

Secretary General of the Norwegian Biathlon Union Emilie Nordskar told NRK that Bakken was found dead on Tuesday in his hotel room in Lavaze, Italy. His cause of death is not yet known.

“We are cooperating closely with the Italian police. We do not know the cause of death. It is the police’s task to find out. Now we are supporting Sivert’s family and his loved ones, as well as other biathletes,” said Nordskar.

According to NRK, Bakken had traveled to Lavaze’s high-altitude camp after last weekend’s Le Grand-Bornand World Cup. The same camp group included, among other things, the leader of the men’s world cup Johan-Olav Botn.

In summer Bakken, who turned 27, will debut in the World Cup in 2021.

This season, Bakken competed in six World Cup races and took one fourth place.

In his career, the native of Lillehammer achieved one victory in the World Cup competition on individual trips and four victories in relay races.