---
title: "Italian Authorities Continue Investigation into Death of Biathlete Sivert Bakken"
url: https://projectchintan.com/article/investigation-death-norwegian-biathlete-sivert-bakken-italy-4w5ti
publisher: Project Chintan
author: Project Chintan Newsroom
published: 2026-08-11T09:54:25.566Z
modified: 2026-08-11T13:01:37.385Z
language: en-IN
---

# Italian Authorities Continue Investigation into Death of Biathlete Sivert Bakken

Officials in Italy are investigating the death of 27-year-old Norwegian biathlete Sivert Bakken, who was found deceased in a hotel room in Lavazè shortly before Christmas. The probe centers on the technical examination of high-altitude training equipment found with the athlete.

## Key takeaways

- Sivert Bakken was found dead in an Italian hotel room while wearing an altitude training mask.
- Investigators are performing technical checks on the mask, which was reportedly set to simulate 7,000 meters.
- The family's lawyer has called for an end to speculation until official forensic results are released.
- Bakken was a 27-year-old contender for the Norwegian Olympic biathlon team.

## What Happened

Norwegian biathlete Sivert Guttorm Bakken was found unresponsive in his hotel room in Lavazè, Italy, on the day before Christmas Eve. At the time of discovery, Bakken was reportedly wearing an altitude mask, a piece of training equipment used to simulate low-oxygen environments. Reports indicate the device may have been set to simulate an altitude of 7,000 meters, which significantly restricts oxygen intake.

## Investigation Status

Italian authorities are currently conducting two parallel investigations to determine the cause of death. The first involves a forensic medical examination, while the second focuses on a technical analysis of the altitude equipment performed by police. Although initial estimates suggested a report would be available by early March, official conclusions remain pending.

## Official Statements

Bernt Heiberg, the legal representative for Bakken's family, issued a statement via Norwegian media outlet NRK, confirming that the family is still waiting for definitive answers. Heiberg emphasized that while the case has drawn significant media interest, there is currently no evidence to support any specific conclusion regarding the cause of death. The family has requested privacy and urged the sporting community and press to refrain from speculation while the technical and medical reviews continue.

## Key Facts

- Sivert Guttorm Bakken was 27 years old at the time of his death.
- The athlete was found in a hotel room in Lavazè, Italy, just before Christmas.
- An altitude training mask was found on the athlete; investigators are testing the device for potential malfunctions or incorrect settings.
- Bakken was competing for a spot on the Norwegian Olympic squad for the upcoming games in Italy.
- The final investigative report from Italian authorities is still pending completion of forensic and technical exams.

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Canonical: https://projectchintan.com/article/investigation-death-norwegian-biathlete-sivert-bakken-italy-4w5ti
Reported from: Multiple Sources