A heartbreaking and deeply troubling discovery has cast a shadow over the tragic death of a young British mother vacationing in Turkey: her body was returned home without her heart.
The shocking revelation has stirred intense suspicion and anger, as her family struggles to understand the circumstances surrounding her death and the handling of her remains.
Conflicting official accounts and painful family allegations have only deepened the mystery, leaving many questions unanswered about what truly transpired inside the Istanbul hospital.
Health & Human Rights
Turkish Officials Deny Organ Removal After British Mother’s Sudden Death, Family Demands Truth
The grieving family of Beth Martin, a 28-year-old mother of two, is caught in a whirlwind of grief and uncertainty after her untimely passing during a holiday in Turkey. Beth fell ill suddenly on April 27 while visiting Istanbul and was rushed to Marmara University Hospital. Despite medical efforts, she passed away a few days later, but what followed has left her loved ones devastated and searching for answers.
Luke Martin, Beth’s husband, alleges that the hospital removed her heart without any notification or consent—a claim that has ignited a fierce dispute with Turkish authorities.
The Turkish Ministry of Health released a detailed statement affirming that Beth’s death was due to “cardiac arrest caused by multiple organ failure.” They insisted that no invasive surgeries or organ removals were performed during the initial hospital autopsy. However, they stopped short of confirming whether this standard was maintained when her body was transferred to the Forensic Medicine Institute for a second autopsy.
Their official communication noted, “Following the family’s concerns and suspicion of possible food poisoning prior to the trip, the case was classified as forensic. A non-invasive preliminary autopsy was carried out with involvement from the Public Prosecutor and forensic specialists, respecting the family’s wishes.”
They further stated, “The hospital confirms Mrs. Martin underwent no surgical intervention and no organs were extracted during her care or initial examination.”
Nevertheless, Beth’s family remains deeply troubled by these reassurances. Luke revealed he was denied access to Beth during her critical condition and suspects a medical error involving the administration of penicillin, despite clearly stating her allergy to hospital staff.
Adding to their anguish, Luke described being subjected to police questioning about poisoning suspicions before being informed of her death. He was reportedly allowed only a fleeting, one-minute visit at the mortuary and was compelled to carry Beth’s body bag through the hospital corridors with the assistance of a translator.
The situation became even more distressing when British coroners, tasked with repatriating Beth’s remains, discovered her heart was missing.
According to a family fundraiser page, the organ’s removal was “done without explanation or consent,” deepening their anguish.
The family also revealed that it may take up to six months for English coroners to determine the precise cause of Beth’s organ failure. Meanwhile, a formal medical negligence probe has been initiated into Marmara Pendik Hospital’s handling of her case.
Beth Martin’s tragic story exposes the harrowing ordeal families can face when death occurs far from home, especially amid conflicting narratives and opaque medical practices.
While Turkish officials steadfastly deny any unauthorized removal of organs, the family’s grief and mistrust linger palpably.
The outcomes of the ongoing investigations, alongside the awaited findings from UK coroners, hold the key to unraveling the truth behind Beth’s death.
This case is a poignant reminder of the vital need for transparency, rigorous medical scrutiny, and sensitive communication in international medical incidents—ensuring that families receive the clarity and justice they deserve in their darkest hours.