Overview
- Bakken was discovered in his hotel room in Lavazè, Trentino, during a preseason training stay, according to the Norwegian federation and the IBU.
- The cause of death remains unknown as Italian police and forensic authorities proceed with a formal investigation and an autopsy in Italy.
- The Norwegian federation said he was wearing an altitude‑training mask when found and noted the mask’s purchase and use remain unclear while urging against speculation.
- The 2022 Holmenkollen mass‑start winner had returned to top‑level racing after a myocarditis diagnosis, posting recent top‑10 World Cup results including fourth in Östersund and fifth in Le Grand‑Bornand.
- IBU officials and teammates expressed shock and condolences, and the Norwegian team and family are receiving crisis support.