Death of Sivert Guttorm Bakken: Trento prosecutors say no suspects; autopsy pending

Italian authorities say there are no suspects in the death of Norwegian biathlete Sivert Guttorm Bakken, who was found lifeless in his hotel room at Passo Lavazè during a pre‑Olympic training camp.

Prosecutors in Trento have seized the hypoxic training mask Bakken was wearing at the time. Such masks, which reduce oxygen intake to simulate altitude for training purposes, can be purchased online at relatively low cost. The Norwegian federation stated in a press release that it is not currently aware of the circumstances surrounding the mask’s acquisition and use. The device is not considered a form of doping.

An autopsy was performed on 29 December to determine the exact cause of death, but results have not yet been released. Bakken’s family chose not to appoint their own expert for the examination.

The investigation remains open pending the autopsy findings, but at present there are no individuals under investigation.