Body found in Suojo River in Äänekoski raises suspicions of foul play in Finland

Last Friday, a body wrapped in plastic was discovered in the Suojo River in Äänekoski. The name of Suojo, located in the village of Hietama, has appeared in the news multiple times, often in connection with tragic events that have shocked Finland. In 2021, the submerged car of Jussi Peltola, who had been missing for a long time, was also found in these dark waters.

Authorities suspect that the approximately 40-year-old man whose body was found last week died as a result of foul play in a private residence earlier in August. The remains were discovered by a passerby.

The Suojo River bridge has a history of numerous car accidents, one of which claimed the life of pop idol Sammy Babitzin 51 years ago. Babitzin’s car veered off the bridge during a slippery evening in April 1973, crashing into a support post and resulting in a high-speed impact estimated between 130-160 km/h. Babitzin was pronounced dead in the hospital shortly after, along with his girlfriend, who also perished in the crash. He had been a prominent figure in Finnish music during the early 1970s, famous for hits such as “Kuin tuhka tuuleen” and “Daa-da daa-da.”

The Suojo River has a complex history. Minna Tuikka, a teacher at the village school, does not view it solely as a site of tragedy. While she acknowledges the bridge’s connection to accidents, she believes the river is also an essential part of the area’s nature and community, recalling it as a former gathering place for dances. Although the tragic events are remembered, Tuikka notes they do not dominate the daily lives of the village residents.