Shock on holiday in Turkey: British mother dies, heart has disappeared!

Shock on holiday in Turkey: British mother dies, heart has disappeared!

A family of four from Portsmouth, UK, were on a traumatic holiday in Istanbul when mother Beth Martin, 28, died during the stay. Originally arrived on April 27, 2025, she complained of feeling unwell during the flight and suspected food poisoning. Despite these symptoms, her condition quickly became critical after landing and she had to be hospitalized. She died there on April 28, 2025, one day after her arrival.

The Turkish Ministry of Health subsequently determined that Beth died of cardiac arrest due to multiple organ failure, but did not explain the exact cause. Her husband, Luke Martin, had told doctors in the ambulance that his wife was allergic to penicillin. Beth's family says they were not informed of the severity of her condition and express concerns that doctors did not take her allergy into account.

Suspicion of organ removal

After Beth Martin's death, her husband was suspected by Turkish authorities of poisoning his wife. This serious allegation placed additional strain on the family, already emotionally traumatized. Luke Martin was only allowed to visit his late wife briefly before having to fight a battle with authorities to organize the body's return to the UK.

After the autopsy by a British medical team, the shock followed: Beth Martin's heart was missing. However, Turkish authorities denied that any surgery took place or that organs were removed. The case raises questions, especially since the British Foreign Office announced that Turkish forensic doctors are allowed to take tissue samples and organs without the family's consent. Illegal organ trafficking is also frequently discussed in Turkey, increasing suspicions that the heart may have been removed without consent.

Examination and family support

While Marmara Pendik Hospital is now under investigation for negligence, initial results are expected in about six months. Beth Martin's family is blaming the hospital for slow response and lack of communication. Her mother criticizes the fact that the doctors did not respond appropriately to the illness.

To support the family during this difficult time, a GoFundMe campaign was launched, which has so far raised over £261,000 (approx. €310,000). Luke Martin describes the experiences as “the most severe trauma” and the family hopes for clarity and justice in an uncertain case.

The dramatic development of this story is in line with the image of Türkiye as a hotspot for organ trafficking, a circumstance that only further complicates the family's already difficult situation. The affected relatives are now looking for answers and clarification of the incident.

For further details see the reporting from mz.de and hna.de.