Police investigate the death of Russian finalist at Sauna World Championships in Finland

Police probe death during Finnish sauna contest

HELSINKI — Organizers say police are investigating the death of a Russian finalist during an event in which contenders compete to see who can stay longest in a blazing hot sauna.

They say Vladimir Ladyzhenskiy died late Saturday during the Sauna World Championships in southern Finland, while his Finnish rival Timo Kaukonen was rushed to a hospital.

Contest spokesman Ossi Arvela says police are investigating the death but insists “all rules were followed.” The contestants must submit a medical certificate before competing.

Both middle-aged men were seen to have severe burns on their bodies.

The sauna is heated to 110 degrees Celsius (230 degrees Fahrenheit). Water is added to the stove every 30 seconds and the last person to remain in the sauna wins.