Italian police are now investigating the death of Norwegian biathlete Sivert Guttorm Bakken as a “suspicious death,” and it will take several months before the cause of death can be determined.

Biathlete Sivert Guttorm Bakken, who was found dead in his hotel room in Lavazé, Italy, on December 23, has undergone an autopsy. However, the autopsy, carried out over the weekend, was unable to establish the cause of death.

As a result, authorities must now wait for further forensic examinations, which are not expected to be completed until March.

“We had hoped that the family would have received some answers by now, but they will not come for several more months,” said the family’s legal counsel, Bernt Heiberg of Elden Law Firm, in a press release on Tuesday afternoon.

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‘Suspicious death’

According to the law firm, the case is currently being investigated by Italian police as a “suspicious death.”

“This does not mean that there is suspicion of a criminal act, only that the cause of death is unknown,” the statement from attorney Heiberg explains.

Forensic experts have been given a deadline of March 17 to submit their report.

Found wearing an altitude mask

Italian police have seized several technical items that will be examined in the coming days. Authorities will also collect medical information about Bakken from Norwegian health services.

When Bakken was found in his hotel room, he was wearing an altitude mask set to simulate about 7,000 meters. It has neither been confirmed nor ruled out whether this had any connection to the death.

The family’s legal counsel once again urges the public and media to avoid speculation.

“Even though the media in its coverage emphasizes that the cause of death has not been established, the tragic death of a young athlete is repeatedly linked to the use of completely legal altitude-simulation equipment, without there being a shred of evidence to establish any connection,” said Heiberg, adding:

“Some media outlets have gone so far as to link the death to his previous medical history. That is serious and deeply distressing for the bereaved.”

The body is to be transported to Norway

Bakken’s body will be transported to Norway in the coming days so the family can begin planning the funeral. It has not yet been decided when or where the funeral will take place.