Food Poisoning Identified in Death of British Mum in Turkey

Autopsy Reveals Cause After Heart Removed During Holiday

A British woman’s unexpected death during a family vacation in Turkey has been attributed to food poisoning. The tragic incident occurred after Beth Martin, 28, fell ill on a flight to Istanbul, leading to a series of shocking events, including the removal of her heart.

The Official Findings

According to the released medical examination report, Martin’s death resulted from “food poisoning and its complications.” The report comes after much speculation and denial by Turkish health officials. The examination was conducted by the Forensic Medicine Institution.

The initial reports indicated that Martin became “delirious” on a flight to Istanbul. She was then rushed to a hospital where she passed away the next day, April 29. The UK autopsy confirmed her heart had been removed after death, which was initially disputed by Turkish authorities.

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“It was concluded that Martin’s death occurred as a result of food poisoning and its complications.”

—Forensic Medicine Institution

Studies show that approximately 48 million people contract foodborne illnesses annually in the United States alone, as reported by the CDC (CDC 2024). This highlights the widespread prevalence and potential severity of food-related illnesses.

Details of the Incident

Martin, along with her husband Luke and their two children, embarked on the dream trip when the tragedy unfolded. After feeling unwell on the plane, she was admitted to Marmara Pendik Hospital.

Doctors performed an angiogram, but found nothing suspicious. Martin’s family has expressed concerns, with some suspecting a missed heart condition or an allergic reaction to penicillin.

The family has been kept in the dark regarding details surrounding Martin’s death. After her passing, Luke was allowed only a minute to see his wife’s body. The family created a GoFundMe page.

Further Investigation

The institute’s report also noted that no evidence of trauma was found on Martin’s body. The arteries of her heart, weighing 350g, were open. The heart was kept in formaldehyde for seven days for further testing.

Tissue samples from the heart, along with other organs, will be returned to the UK. The Turkish Ministry of Health stated that Martin died from “cardiac arrest due to multiple organ failure.”