Overview
- Norway’s federation and the IBU confirmed Bakken was found in his hotel room in Lavazè during a team altitude training camp.
- Italian police and forensic authorities are leading the inquiry, and the autopsy is scheduled to take place over the Christmas holidays.
- The Norwegian federation says it is cooperating with investigators and urged against speculation while evidence is gathered.
- The federation noted Bakken was wearing an altitude‑training mask when found and said the circumstances of its purchase and use are unknown.
- Bakken had returned to top-level racing after a 2022 myocarditis diagnosis, posting results this season including fourth in Östersund and fifth in Le Grand‑Bornand, as the biathlon community pays tribute.