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Family Hires Lawyers as Police Probe Altitude Mask in Norwegian Biathlete Bakken’s Death

A preliminary autopsy report due early next week will guide public updates on the case.

Overview

  • Italian authorities are conducting a forensic investigation and have seized items from Sivert Guttorm Bakken’s hotel room in Lavazè.
  • The Norwegian Biathlon Federation and Bakken’s family appointed Elden Advokatfirma to liaise with Italian officials and manage repatriation, with a lawyer on the ground in Italy.
  • The firm says there is currently no basis to assume criminal activity, and it does not expect to share further details before the preliminary autopsy findings.
  • The federation confirmed Bakken was found wearing a simulated‑altitude mask; VG reported, without confirmation, that it may have been set to around 7,000 meters, a claim now under review by investigators.
  • Norway’s elite sports body Olympiatoppen advised athletes to suspend use of simulated‑altitude devices until the investigation clarifies any potential risks.