Magnus Carlsen was due to play in an upcoming Chess event in Zagreb, Croatia. However, according to recent reports, the former World Chess Champion has withdrawn from the Zagreb event due to the tragic passing away of his mother, Sigrun Øen. A mother to 4 children, Sigrud Øen was a chemical engineer and 61 years of age at the time of her passing on Tuesday, in Oslo, Norway. She passed away peacefully in the presence of her close family and friends after suffering from a long illness.
Sigrun Øen was married to Heinrik and had three daughters, Ingrid Carlsen, Ellen Øen Carlsen and Signe Carlsen, of which Ellen shared the sad news with the world through a Facebook post that was linked to a memorial page in her mother’s name. The post read: “My dear, good mother and the children’s grandmother passed away far too soon. The loss is great.”
Carlsen’s father, Heinrik wrote on the memorial page, “Farewell my dear irreplaceable Sigrun. Thank you for everything for more than 41 years.” The memorial page has been filling up with well-wishers from around the world and also has a way for them to send wishes and flowers to the Carlsen family. The Funeral of Sigrun Øen has been scheduled for July 17 at 2 pm and will be held at Adult Church in Oslo.
The death of his mother will deeply affect Magnus Carlsen who was close to her while growing up. Carlsen’s parents would often travel with him to tournaments all around the world. While later on, it was his father who would travel the most, once in a while Sigrun would accompany him with the whole family to cheer up Magnus. The loss of his mother explains why Carlsen opted to sit out of the Chess event in Zagreb. His fans all around the world will be hoping that Carslen will return to playing Chess as soon as possible. But for now, it’s the Grandmaster’s time to mourn.
