Married Just Months Ago — Now Norway Mourns Stein Erik Hagen

Norwegian billionaire Stein Erik Hagen has died suddenly at 69 after a cardiac arrest at home. The influential business leader leaves behind four children, ten grandchildren and his husband Bendik Skinningsrud. His death marks the loss of a major figure in Norwegian industry and LGBTQ visibility.

Stein Erik Hagen’s sudden death has sent shockwaves through Norway, ending the life of one of the nation’s most powerful business figures and one of its most prominent openly gay public voices.

The 69‑year‑old billionaire suffered a cardiac arrest at home on Monday. First aid was started immediately and medical teams arrived quickly, but his life could not be saved, the family company Canica confirmed. Hagen leaves behind four adult children, ten grandchildren and his husband, 30‑year‑old Bendik Skinningsrud, whom he married in November last year.

With a fortune of more than 33 billion kroner, he was long regarded as one of Norway’s most influential leaders in both business and philanthropy.

Hagen’s personal story resonated far beyond the boardroom. When he came out publicly on Skavlan (TV show) in 2015, he spoke candidly about growing up without the language to understand his own identity and how a changing society helped him find clarity and acceptance.

His openness made him a rare high‑profile LGBTQ figure in Norwegian business life, and his death marks the end of an era. Tributes continue to pour in for a man remembered not only for his financial power, but for the visibility and honesty he brought to a country still evolving in its understanding of queer lives.