Shock on vacation in Türkiye: British mother dies, heart is gone!

Shock on vacation in Türkiye: British mother dies, heart is gone!

Istanbul, Türkei - A family of four from Portsmouth, Great Britain, went on a traumatic vacation in Istanbul when 28-year-old mother Beth Martin died during the stay. Originally arrived on April 27, 2025, she already complained about discomfort during the flight, suspected food poisoning. Despite these symptoms, her condition quickly became critical after landing, so that she had to be hospitalized. There she died on April 28, 2025, one day after her arrival.

The Turkish Ministry of Health afterwards found that Beth died of cardiac arrest due to multiple organ failure, but without explaining the exact cause. Her husband Luke Martin had told the doctors in the ambulance that his wife was allergic to Penicillin. Beth's family explains not to have been informed about the severity of their health and expresses concerns that the doctors have not taken into account their allergy.

suspicion of organ removal

After Beth Martin's death, her husband was suspected by the Turkish authorities of poisoning his wife. The family also burdened this serious accusation in an already emotional trauma. Luke Martin was only allowed to visit his late wife briefly before having to run a dispute with the authorities to organize the return of the body to Great Britain.

After the autopsy by a British medical team, the shock followed: Beth Martin's heart was missing. However, Turkish authorities contested that surgery has taken place or that organs have been removed. The case raises questions, especially since the British Federal Foreign Office informed that Turkish forensic doctors can take tissue samples and organs without the consent of the family. In Turkey, illegal organ trade is also often discussed, which increases the suspicion that the heart may have been removed without consent.

examination and family help

While the Marmara Pendik Hospital is now being examined for negligence, the first results are expected in about six months. Beth Martin's family accuses the hospital for slow reactions and lack of communication. Her mother criticizes that the doctors did not respond appropriately to the disease.

In order to support the family in this difficult time, a Gofundme campaign was launched, which has so far collected over £ 261,000 (approx. 310,000 euros). Luke Martin describes the experiences as "difficult trauma" and the family hopes for clarity and justice in an uncertain case.

The dramatic course of this story is in line with the image of Türkiye as a hotspot for organ trade, a fact that only complicates the already difficult situation of the family. The relatives concerned are now looking for answers and the clarification of the incident.

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