Mystery Deepens Over British Mother's Sudden Death in Turkey as Family Alleges Her Heart Was Removed

The couple were on vacation with their two children

Turkish authorities are facing growing scrutiny over the unexplained death of a 28-year-old British mother, Beth Martin, who died shortly after arriving in Istanbul for a vacation. The case has sparked international attention following shocking claims by her husband that her heart was missing when her body was returned to the UK.

Martin, a mother of two from the United Kingdom, began experiencing symptoms of illness during her flight to Turkey, which she initially believed to be food poisoning. However, her condition rapidly deteriorated upon arrival. Within hours of landing in Istanbul, she reportedly became delirious and was rushed to Marmara University Pendik Education and Research Hospital, where she died the following day on April 28.

Beth and Luke Martin on their wedding day. The 28-year-old died suddenly after falling ill on the plane to Turkey on the way to a family holiday

According to her husband, Luke Martin, Turkish officials were evasive about the circumstances of her death and allegedly treated him as a suspect in the early stages, suggesting possible foul play. Upon the return of her body to the UK, British coroners informed him that Beth’s heart had been removed, a revelation that has only intensified the family’s search for answers.

Luke was even accused of 'poisoning' his wife by the Turkish authorities

The Turkish Ministry of Health issued a statement citing “cardiac arrest due to multiple organ failure” as the cause of death but provided no explanation for what may have triggered such a catastrophic decline. The Ministry also denied that Martin underwent any surgical procedures at the hospital before her death, directly contradicting the British autopsy findings.

The Martin family now suspects potential medical malpractice, questioning whether Beth was administered penicillin—an antibiotic to which she was allergic—without proper screening. This possibility, coupled with conflicting reports from both countries, has led to an investigation into the Istanbul hospital’s handling of the case.

A UK autopsy later revealed Beth's heart had been removed after she passed away

Turkish health authorities have not commented further on the discrepancy regarding the missing heart, while British coroners have indicated it may take up to six months to determine the exact cause of Beth Martin’s death. In the meantime, the grieving family continues to demand transparency and accountability from Turkish medical officials.

The hospital where Beth was treated, The Marmara University Pendik Education and Research Hospital in Istanbul, is now being investigated for potential negligence